The Lake Forest College women’s hockey team and the North Shore Warhawks began their partnership back in 2019. They didn’t know it would two years before they were allowed to rejoin forces. But despite a covid-interrupted year, the two teams met once again on the ice at the Alumni Memorial Field House on Saturday, December 4 at the Forester’s game against Finlandia University.
The North Shore Warhawks is an all-girls youth hockey program, the first in the Chicago area. The team got its start three years ago when Winnetka and Northbrook hockey combined to formalize a program for girls hockey under the leadership of Tom Gullen and Rich Blakey. They had 61 players their inaugural year; competed in the Illinois State Championship and Girl's National Championship Tournament; and now have over 150 girls registered playing hockey in the program.
At the game on the fourth, a selection of the Warhawks' under eight and under ten players had the opportunity to walk out on the ice with Forester players as the lineup was announced. The young players also took to the ice for a 3-on-3 game during intermission.
"To see the smiles from both the Warhawks and Foresters was very moving—and exactly what this event is all about," said Forester head coach Jen Wilson. "By giving back to the hockey community with event like this, we hope to create an impactful experience for that under eight or under 10 player and keep her in the game. If we can help develop and inspire the next generation of female hockey players, we are doing something right."
At the conclusion of the Forester’s win over Finlandia, the Warhawks were invited into the locker room with the home team for a tour. The Foresters took time to talk with the young players and answer any questions they had.
"We truly do pride ourselves on our involvement with the community and our continual efforts to grow hockey at the youth level," said Wilson. "Events like this are also great reminders about how much we all love the game and how hockey can truly bring people together. The event has become one of my absolute favorites here at Lake Forest."
When asked about how she saw the event continue and grow over the next few years, Wilson said, "We’ve had several conversations with the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) Girl’s Committee Chair, Anita Lichterman, about growing the event through USA Hockey and AHAI that has yet come to full fruition, but everyone’s excited about the idea. We’d love to expand the event to have multiple organizations involved as well as make it a full day of events for the youth players, somewhat like National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
"Similarly, we are in planning stages to have a few of the Foresters join the Warhawks at their practice and give back by helping develop them on the ice at their games and practices," she continued. "Making this event a staple on the calendar every year is something I know myself, the team, and the Warhawks are looking forward to for years to come."
Lake Forest College is a founding member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association’s women’s division, which began competition in 2000 and is recognized nationally as a premier collegiate conference. Fourth-year head coach Jennifer Wilson leads her team into its 22nd season as a varsity program in 2021-22.