DELIBERATELY PERSONAL INSIGHTS

Enjoy these short narratives about our facilities, and the coaches and team members that call them ‘home.’

While each entry marks a point in time, the people and places described below continue to evolve.

Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH CAVALLINI

A former NHL player with a lifelong passion for the game, Coach Gino Cavallini brings elite experience and a development-first mindset to every team he leads. From Toronto to the NHL to the Chicago Mission bench, his journey continues to shape the next generation of players.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH EBERHARDT

For Coach Paul “PJ” Eberhardt, hockey is far more than a sport—it’s a lifelong commitment to developing young athletes on and off the ice. With deep roots in the sport as both a player and a coach, PJ brings decades of experience, perspective, and passion to every team he leads. Here are five things to know about Coach PJ Eberhardt.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHILLY DOG

The Coolest Face of the Chicago Ice Dogs.

Every Ice Dogs game comes with big plays, loud cheers, and one unmistakable source of energy roaming the rink and the stands. From center ice to the lobby and far beyond Glacier Ice Arena, Chilly Dog has quickly become the heartbeat of the Ice Dogs fan experience. Here are five things to know about the Ice Dogs’ favorite four-legged hype man.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH HEISER

For Coach Chris Heiser, figure skating isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped her journey from a young skater in northwest Indiana to a dedicated coach and leader at Glacier Ice Arena. With more than four decades of coaching experience, she continues to inspire the next generation of skaters to find joy and confidence on the ice. Here are five things to know about Coach Chris Heiser.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH SCOTT

At Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills, hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a community. Few people embody that spirit better than Coach Bobby Scott.

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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH HOWARTH

When you step into Glacier Ice Arena, it doesn’t take long to feel the influence of Chris Howarth. A former Olympian, lifelong coach, and dedicated mentor, Chris brings decades of figure skating experience to the rink and inspires everyone around him with his knowledge, humor, and passion for the sport. Here are five things to know about Coach Howarth.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

RED, WHITE, AND TRUE

From parenting to politics to his professional path, Dave Wenner is an open book.

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ALL ABOUT COACH MIKES

Coach Chris Michael, fondly known simply as ‘Mikes,’ has made a significant impact on the hockey world, particularly with The Reapers.

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SHARPENING THEIR BUCKETS

Nicholas Sportsplex team members are swapping their buckets for thinking caps with continuing education coursework.

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ELEVATING AN ALMA MATER

The Papanicholas family pays it forward with a home ice advantage for Saint Viator High School’s hockey program.

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SKATING THROUGH LIFE

Colin Van Hauter likes a challenge almost as much as he likes hockey—which is good since his life has been full of both. Through hard work and an unrelenting passion, he faces off against adversity, finds the strength to breakaway, and faithfully follows where the ice leads him.

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Anthony Hansen Anthony Hansen

REACHING GOALS

Ryan Zanon plays hard and works hard. He scored his first hockey goal at age seven and he has been setting and reaching his life goals ever since. Today, Ryan is enjoying his work overseeing operations at the Nicholas Sportsplex, a position he has been training for his entire life.

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