The Lake Forest College Athletic Department and the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) hosted the 8th annual "The Sleds Are Coming Again" event on Sunday, January 28 at the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse on the campus of Lake Forest College. 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 began with a special presentation to award owners of the Hot Shot Ice Arena, Becky and Jerry Klutchka and their three sons Tim, Matt and Russell (all local firefighters) with the JJ O'Connor Award, an award given each year to an individual or family who demonstrates good character, leadership, sportsmanship, and is devoted to serving as an ambassador in the community.
The program consisted of three 12-minute periods of five-on-five sled hockey featuring members of the GLASA Falcons. The game resulted in a thrilling 2-2 tie.
During the game there were several opportunities for fan participation and engagement including Chuck-A-Puck, raffle prizes, free giveways, and a silent auction that featured 4 Alumni Box Seats to a Chicago Blackhawks game, an autographed and framed Corey Crawford Jersey with letter of authenticity, and an autographed Duncan Keith Jersey with letter of authenticity. Additionally, fans had the opportunity to cheer on the Junior Falcons Mites team scrimmage during the first intermission.
This year well over $5,000 was raised to support GLASA and its mission to "Let No One Sit on the Sidelines". Specifically, the dollars raised will provide important funding to purchase new equipment (sleds and helmets) and uniforms, reserve space to practice at local rinks, and fund scholarships to give athletes the opportunity to compete.
The event supported its recent Award of Merit honor as more than 700 fans were in attendance with around 300 being student-athletes at Lake Forest College or athletes from the Falcons Hockey Association. Each year this event is a point of pride for both Lake Forest College and the Falcons, and this was certainly displayed by the excitement and energy that filled the stands.
Click here to view great photos from the event!