Chicago Area Youth Ice Hockey (Evanston, Highland Park: house, high schools, college)

[BJS699]

I was wondering if anyone had information on which is the best youth hockey league in the Chicago Area. We are looking to move to the area during the next year or so. Being a hockey parent, finding a good youth program is almost as important as finding a good school. Please help.

[jessiegirl_98]

One of my friends in college had gone to a Blackhawks program througout high school. I don't know a whole lot about it, but check this out to see if it helps at not.
Chicago Blackhawks - Community

[CUBS07]

Highland Park hands down


Falcons
Home | Falcons Hockey Association

[HockeyFan]

I knew a guy who went through the Team Illinois program -- very good and well-respected program. Their major midget team is one of the best in the U.S. most years.

Team Illinois Hockey (broken link)

Also check out the Chicago Fury

Chicago Fury Hockey League

And the Chicago Young Americans

Chicago Young Americans Hockey Association

All three programs are well-known and well-respected.

[pnbben]

Any program is just as good as the hassle it takes to get there 2-3X per week, right? City or burbs? For north, North, northwest, west, south west, south or even Indiana. Are you talking house or travel? You can also check out a site called "complete hockey" for info.

[NYrules]

I know that this arena is huge and has a ton of hockey leagues that come from towns all around to play here. Arctic Ice Arena I'm sure they could guide you in your hunt, check it out.

[HockeyFan]

That Original Six Bar/Grill looks great from the website (at Arctic Ice Arena) -- has anyone been there?

[Windy City John]

Contact this guy--He should know if you are considering the western suburbs--
[SIZE=1]

Mike Determann
President, Admirals Hockey Club
mike@cntrice.com

[/SIZE][SIZE=1]630-790-9696 ext. 122
[/SIZE]

[HockeyFan]

To the OP... where are you moving from? If you're moving from most areas in the U.S., I suspect you'll be very pleasantly surprised with the quality of youth hockey in the Chicago area.

Many of the top programs in the U.S. come from Chicago, Michigan, New England, or Los Angeles (yes, LA -- there's a lot more youth hockey there than people realize!). Minnesota tends to go through the high schools, so their programs compete differently than traditional youth hockey programs (midget, bantam, pee wee, etc.)

[whatever]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

To the OP... where are you moving from? If you're moving from most areas in the U.S., I suspect you'll be very pleasantly surprised with the quality of youth hockey in the Chicago area.

Many of the top programs in the U.S. come from Chicago, Michigan, New England, or Los Angeles (yes, LA -- there's a lot more youth hockey there than people realize!). Minnesota tends to go through the high schools, so their programs compete differently than traditional youth hockey programs (midget, bantam, pee wee, etc.)

Hi-
Timing is good and you seem like a good person to ask , tho' comments from all are invited.

I'm considering a great job in Evanston (coming from MN) and we have a 12 y/o playing his second year (peewee goalie). Is it a stretch to think that we would be able to get him into a league? I've heard one person say that getting into a hockey league is tough in the Chicago area. We've got time to think about it, but we're also hearing that the north side of Evanston and north from there is a good place to consider. Schools? Hockey?

Thanks!