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.
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.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH DUNN
Building confident athletes, strong leaders, and a lasting love for the game at the Northshore Warhawks.
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.
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.
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.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH ROURKE
Growing up in Canada, it’s often said that you learn to skate before you learn to walk — and for Erin Rourke, that couldn’t be truer.
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.
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.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH STEIN
From standout player to seasoned mentor, Coach Stein Garcia has dedicated his life to the game of soccer.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH LICHTERMAN
Coach Chris Lichterman isn’t just building hockey players—he’s building confident, resilient young athletes who thrive both on and off the ice.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH HOGAN
Behind the high-paced action of the Saint Viator High School hockey team is a coach who brings far more to the ice than just strategy and drills.
COACH NICK PANOS: A LIFETIME ON THE ICE
For Nick Panos, hockey is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.
RED, WHITE, AND TRUE
From parenting to politics to his professional path, Dave Wenner is an open book.
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.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH PEPPI LABOY
Peppi Laboy coaches for the Northwest Chargers and Saint Viator High School, both of which call the Nicholas Sportsplex home.
SHARPENING THEIR BUCKETS
Nicholas Sportsplex team members are swapping their buckets for thinking caps with continuing education coursework.
LIGHTING THE LAMP, FILLING THE PAGE
Jarred Van Hauter plays the game while writing the book for the Nicholas Sportsplex.
ELEVATING AN ALMA MATER
The Papanicholas family pays it forward with a home ice advantage for Saint Viator High School’s hockey program.
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.
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.