I am thrilled and honored to be taking over as the Director of Player Development for the Winnetka Hockey Club. Before I get into anything else, I want to thank the Winnetka Hockey Club and its board members for giving me this opportunity. It’s crazy for me to think that after all this time, I am able to show up to work every day and continue to be around the game I grew up loving to play.

I grew up in Winnetka, where I played for the Warriors, CYA and New Trier. After a successful career at New Trier, I decided to continue playing hockey at the University of Iowa.

Hockey has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. It has taught me valuable lessons such as leadership, teamwork, and even how to lose. Some of the best memories from my life have been from hockey, and not because we won a game, or I scored a goal but because of the relationships and friendships that were created and the experiences we shared. 

I hope everybody is enjoying the summer. It is a great time of year for kids to relax, play with friends, partake in different activities and just be kids. One question I frequently get from hockey parents is, “What should my hockey player do over the summer?” This is a difficult question to answer as each child is different. Some kids can get on the ice for occasional skills sessions while others really need an extended break. In general, however, I would suggest that kids take time away from the rink, play other sports and activities, do some basic off-ice skills (for example, stickhandling/shooting in the driveway) and go outside. I have included a few links to articles (below) that I feel are insightful on the topic. Whatever you decide, just make sure your child enjoys what they are doing. Players, remember the only thing that is coming between you improving over the summer is yourself. If anyone has any specific questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

New Website to Debut July 1st!

Beginning July 1st we will unveil our new website under a platform known as SportsEngine. SportsEngine is the leading provider of web software and mobile applications for youth, amateur and professional sports. Powering more than 500,000 sports teams, leagues, clubs, and associations, SportsEngine features a complete suite of easy-to-use tools that help sports organizations manage, connect, and communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders including athletes, parents, administrators, coaches, referees, scouts, volunteers, fans, journalists, and sponsors. 

We will have ONE SITE for both the Winnetka Hockey Club and the Jr. Warriors Hockey Club which will be: www.winnetkahockey.com. 

Full program information as well as pre-season travel clinic and tryout information will be available on July 1st. We will begin registration in late July.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 4th, 9:15am SHARP. Parade kicks off at 10:00am. 

WHERE: Corner of Elm & Hibbard. LOOK FOR THE ZAMBONI. As soon as we know our actual location we will post.

Fall Program Information: Information will be posted no later than July 10th.

Registration: Registration will begin no later than August 1st.

Fall Clinics and Tryouts: Our tentative schedule for the preseason is as follows:

 

House League: House League activities will begin in September.

Hockey Information: Tom Gullen will be in the office all summer with the exception of a few long weekends. Please contact Tom, our Administrative Director, with any questions at 847-446-9004 (office phone) or by email at tom@winnetkahockey.com.

Two sports parents parody videos to make you laugh...and think.