Volume 13 Issue 10 | October 2025 | | LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT | | |
I don't have a letter this month, but I found this online. I think it says more than I ever could.
Enjoy!
Kevin Bolger
President
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People ask us all the time...
Why do you do it?
Why spend your weekends in cold rinks and hotel lobbies?
Why the 5 a.m. alarms and late-night drives?
Why the gas receipts, broken sticks, skate sharpenings, and endless laundry?
Why the missed parties, family events, and "normal" weekends at home?
For what?
"They're not going to the NHL," they say.
Maybe not.
But that's not why we are here.
We do it because this sport teaches life in a way nothing else can.
Because our kids are learning...
To show up on the hard days.
To keep going when their legs are burning.
To accept feedback without breaking.
To win with class and lose with dignity.
To respect coaches, teammates, opponents - and themselves.
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To handle pressure, disappointment,and hard conversations.
To stand up for others.
To believe in something bigger than themselves.
And most importantly - to get back up every single time they fall.
But here's the part most people don't understand.
It's not just about hockey.
It's about who they are becoming because of hockey.
And we get to watch it happen - one shift at a time.
So are we tired? Yes.
Is it expensive? Absolutely.
Is it a sacrifice? More than people know.
Is it worth it? Every single second.
Because in the end...
We're not chasing NHL dreams.
We're building work ethic.
We're building confidence.
We're building character.
We're building memories.
We're raising good humans - one rink at a time.
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By AHAI Safety & Suspension Committees
For information on the importance of proper equipment use in hockey, emphasizing safety measures for players, particularly regarding helmets, goaltender masks, and neck laceration protectors, please review the safety document here.
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Girls Spotlight on a Girls Organization lead by an All-Female Staff A Great Read on What Our Female Athletes Can Accomplish
When Coach Carolyn was preparing to step down as Mammoth Girls Hockey Club director after the 2024- 25 season, she set three goals to ensure the club's success: maintain three rostered teams, transition Coach Hannah into the director role, and establish an all-female head coaching staff.
This 2025-26 season, the Mammoth Girls Hockey Club has three rostered teams, and Coach Hannah is doing a fantastic job as the new girls’ director. But Coach Carolyn is most proud of establishing an all-female head coaching staff. It’s not just about the coaches themselves, but how that influences the culture of the Mammoth Girls Hockey Club.
Female coaches are crucial to the girls’ sports experience. According to research by the Women’s Sports Foundation in their “Coaching Through a Gender Lens” study, female coaches boost girls’ confidence. Research also indicates that girls may be more likely to identify with female coaches, viewing them as mentors or role models for what’s possible. Girls need role models to stay in the game, and both boys and girls benefit from positive images of female coaches. Girls with female coaches can see that “if she can do this, then I can too.” Additionally, studies show that having female coaches challenges the negative cultural messages girls receive about their participation. READ MORE<<<
| ILLINOIS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME | |
2025 Class for the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame
The Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame recently announced the inductees into the 2025 class for the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame. This year inductees are Joe Gotfryd and Brian Noonan in the Player’s Category, Todd Finner, Brad Saban, Joe Saban and John Wallin in the Coach’s Category, Bob Apter, Kevin Delaney, Bill Gomolinski and Maddy Rossobillo in the Builder’s Category and Chris Drews and Mike Narge in the Referee’s Category.
Illinois hockey has a very long and rich hockey history, due in large part, to the foundation laid down by these inductees. Their tireless dedication in making sure every individual who had a desire to participate in this great sport has had the opportunity to do so.
The 2025 IHHF Induction Dinner will be held in their honour on Sunday, February 1, 2025 at the Belvedere Banquet Hall located at 1170 West Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village beginning at 5:00 pm. Tickets are available online at www.ahai.org.
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Harry Marshall: Welcome to (Team) Illinois
Wing For the TI 13O Team Is An Eighth-Grader at G Force Sports Academy in Addison, Loves Animals
By: Ross Forman
Harry Christopher Marshall III is a left-handed shooting wing for the Team Illinois 13O team, his first season calling the Land of Lincoln home. He played last season for the Philadelphia Little Flyers 2012.
Illinois hockey, he said, “is more competitive and enjoyable, and every team in the area feels like a rival.”
Marshall, 13, lives in Schaumburg and is an eighth-grader at G Force Sports Academy in Addison. He formerly played for the Piedmont Predators, Potomac Patriots, Loudon Knights and Washington Little Caps.
“Starting with a great group of kids really helped me enjoy coming to the rink and develop a passion for the game,” he said. “They showed me that there are more steps to strive for in hockey. The game is not just about playing—it’s about getting better every time you are on the ice. They also showed me some things that were not so great and that I didn’t want to be a part of. They help me with the smaller steps in improving my skills.” READ MORE<<<
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Esposito Brothers Lead Brother Rice Drive For Kennedy Cup Glory
By: Ross Forman
Brother Rice continues its drive to end the drought, anchored this season on the shoulders of brothers James and Johnathon Esposito, forwards in their fourth varsity season for the Crusaders.
Brother Rice has not hoisted the prestigious Kennedy Cup as the champions of the Chicago Catholic Hockey League since 2001.
Johnathon didn’t hesitate when asked about the team’s goal for this season: Win the Kennedy Cup, he said. Asked if the goal was reachable, he didn’t flinch: “Absolutely.”
“We are a team that understands the talent we have this year and we aren’t expecting anything less than to win,” Johnathon said. “I have played four years on Brother Rice varsity with many memories.”
But not the ultimate price for any CCHL player.
“The goal for Brother Rice this season is, by far, to win the Kennedy Cup; that is No. 1 on everyone’s list in the locker room,” James added. “We may not be the most skilled team (in the league), but we will definitely be the most hard-working and (motivated) team.”
READ MORE<<<
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Representing Illinois: Brody Bautista Will Play For Hockey Philippines In December International Tournament
By: Ross Forman
Brody Bautista will, intentionally, wear uniform No. 98 for a few days starting in late-December when he skates for the Philippine Team in the Hong Kong U18 Invitational Tournament.
“I chose to wear No. 98 on my Philippines jersey because of Connor Bedard. Watching him play for the Chicago Blackhawks motivates me and when I go to the Philippines, I want to represent my hometown of Chicago while honoring my roots and culture,” he said.
Bautista, 17, who lives in Mundelein, is a senior at Mundelein High School and center for the co-op LZMW Yeti. A right-handed shooter who formerly skated for the Ice Dogs is now the Yeti captain and is one of two local athletes who will represent Hockey Philippines at the international tournament running December 27 – January 3. Also participating: Jayden De Leon (Glenbrook North).
“Being able to skate for Team Philippines lets me connect with my culture in a special way,” Bautista said. “I can represent where my family comes from and honor the culture that shaped me into who I am today. It’s special because I am representing my culture through a sport that many people don’t think of when they think of Filipinos. READ MORE<<<
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Welcome To Metro Girls: Lincoln-Way Southsiders
New Co-Op Features Only 14 Players, Including Talented Forwards Reagan Louis and Mackenzie Brach
By: Ross Forman
There won’t be much complaining when it comes to ice-time from the Lincoln-Way Southsiders, one of two new teams skating in the Metro Girls Hockey League.
The team has a limited roster: 14, including two goalies.
“That will be (the) biggest challenge,” said Lincoln-Way head coach Tom Toolis. “We will be competitive but could use a few more skaters. Our bench is short, but our pipeline of girls who will be high schoolers in the next few years who are interested is going to put us in a great spot (in the future). We want this to be the hockey event each week that the girls look forward to and make sure as many of them that want to play get the chance to.”
The Southsiders opened the season 1-2, grabbing the co-op’s first-ever win on Sunday, September 28: a 7-1 victory over Evanston.
“So far, we have been competitive and played with the other teams until late in the third period when our numbers start to affect our legs,” Toolis said. “We need our players to play. Conflicts between club scheduled games and travel have really hurt our ability to field a full team each week. We played short of our full roster in each of our first three games. We knew this year would be lean, but we wanted to stay at the six-school limit to remain eligible for the state tournament.” READ MORE<<<
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Chicago Storm Special Hockey: Fostering Inclusion and Community Engagement
Storm Players Practice Weekly At Five Area Rinks, Set For The 2025 USA Hockey Special Classic, November 7-9 in Wayne, N.J.
By: Ross Forman
The Chicago Storm Special Hockey (CSSH) team brings together about 100 players ranging in age from 5 to 55, male and female athletes, plus about 55 volunteers, including on and off-ice volunteers and coaches – all focused on providing children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play hockey, fostering inclusion and community engagement.
The Storm skate every week at five area rinks, with players from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
“Our co-ed team is for people with intellectual disabilities who need more structure than a mainstream hockey program would provide, and are not currently rostered with a mainstream team,” said Michelle Millard, Storm President and co-program director with her husband, Wayne. “We provide a safe, fun environment for our players to learn the great game of hockey. We practice weekly in all five rinks and have one session that is dedicated to learn-to-skate and beginner hockey so players can learn in a quieter environment. READ MORE<<<
| | COACHING & OFFICIATING INFORMATION | |
More Than Just a Game: Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Officials
By Marissa Lyons
The morning after the hardest game I had ever officiated, I was assigned to officiate a 10U girls’ game—a huge shift from the intense 18U boys’ matchup I had worked the night before. That previous game had tested every ounce of patience and professionalism I had. By the time I left the rink that night, I felt defeated. I started to wonder if all the hours spent studying rules, running skating drills, and earning certifications were truly worth it. I questioned whether the space I was trying to take up in hockey even mattered.
When I walked into the rink the next morning, I braced myself for more of the same. Instead, I was greeted by bright, beaming faces—young girls lacing up their skates, laughing, and buzzing with excitement before their game. The moment I stepped onto the ice, their eyes lit up. Some whispered to each other, while others couldn’t contain their excitement and shouted, “We have a girl ref!”
In that moment, none of the negativity from the night before mattered anymore. That all faded into the background. What stood out were those young girls who were seeing something they hadn’t seen before: a woman in stripes, skating confidently, blowing the whistle, and commanding the ice. READ MORE<<<
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The season is underway! Standings for Major and Minor teams have started to take shape, and our Prospects teams completed the declaration rounds.
Regular season begins for the Prospects divisions November 1st and we are excited to watch these teams compete in our inaugural season. Each week we feature a game or two of the week with live broadcasts on YouTube courtesy of Stream Sports Midwest (Stream Sports Midwest--Central States - YouTube).
Follow our Socials for information and highlight videos as the weekend concludes. If you would like to hire Stream Sports Midwest to cover your games, check out the details on our website www.csdhl.org and reach out to them to secure your game: streamsportsmidwest@gmail.com.
Good luck to all teams and keep grinding!
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