On Sunday, January 31, Lake Forest College Athletics along with Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) hosted the sixth annual “The Sleds Are Coming Again!” event at the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. The purpose of this event was to bring awareness to GLASA and raise funds for the GLASA Falcons Sled Hockey Team, whom is coached by former Lake Forest College Head Men’s Hockey Coach, Tony Fritz.
The program kicked off with a special on-ice presentation, which honored Tony Fritz as the JJ O’Connor Achievement Award recipient. The award was established in alum JJ O’Connor’s name ’01, and is given annually to one individual who demonstrates good character, leadership and sportsmanship, is devoted to serving the community, and preservers…regardless of obstacles.
Coach Tony Fritz earned this recognition through his involvement in the Lake Forest community as both an athlete and coach. Coach Fritz led the Forester men’s hockey team for 32 years. Under his direction, the team posted 351 victories and was ranked among the top 50 programs in the nation across all divisions. Prior to his coaching career, Fritz was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. He was considered to be one of the top five NHL prospects in Canada before an eye injury cut his career short.
Following the special ceremony, the puck dropped and the action began. The competition consisted of three 12-minute periods of 5-on-5 sled hockey, featuring 39 athletes of the GLASA Falcons. Among the participants, Lake Forest is proud to recognize current student and member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Connor Gow, for his remarkable performance.
During the game, students and members of the community participated in a silent auction, Chuck-A-Puck, and cheered on Lake Forest mascot “Boomer” and Chicago Wolves mascot “Skates” in a shoot-out. On a pleasing note, Lake Forest College’s Boomer won the shoot-out after effortlessly hitting two pucks against a backboard from mid-rink.
This year’s event, had yet again, another great turn out with over 500 community members, staff members, and student-athletes from both the college and Lake Forest High School. Lake Forest College looks forward to joining GLASA next year in hosting this incredible event.
