Boys Hockey: United Way’s Winter Classic a cool idea
by bob gosman Contributor January 24, 2012 9:30PM
Some fans cheer on their favorite players at the Cross Town Winter Classic at the Winter Club in Lake Forest on Sunday. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:14AM
For the first time in at least five years, the Lake Forest High School hockey team played the Lake Forest Academy varsity.
The venue could not have been more unique, and the cause was just as special.
Drawing on the surging popularity of the NHL’s Winter Classic, the two teams played their own version — the Cross Town Winter Classic, Lake Forest style — outdoors at the Winter Club on Sunday. The game was sponsored by North Shore United Way’s Youth Board, and all proceeds went back to United Way.
Even the fact that the game was called after two periods didn’t put a damper on the night’s festivities. Lake Forest Academy was winning 2-1 when the coaches stopped the game because of a safety issue with the Plexiglas panels that sit atop the boards.
“It was such a good turnout of people,” said Scouts coach John Murphy. “We’d love to do it again.”
The two varsity teams proved to be pretty evenly matched. Lake Forest Academy also has a prep team that is traditionally ranked as one of the top squads in the entire country.
“I think our kids really played well,” Murphy said.
Murphy said that a key sponsor was Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company. The bank, along with other local businesses, supported the game to the tune of more than $1,000.
“The rain held off and the weather cooperated,” Murphy said. “You could tell everyone enjoyed the atmosphere. We thought it would be a lot of fun for the kids, and for the community, and it was.”
Clay in control: Scouts goalie Clay Teufel did everything he could to prepare for his senior season.
And his diligence and dedication is paying off.
“He put in a lot extra time working with trainers,” Murphy said. “He plays the toughest position in hockey and has worked extremely hard to get to where he is.”
Murphy said the Scouts also benefit greatly from the efforts of goalie coach Tony Martino, formerly an assistant with the Chicago Blackhawks.
“He works with the goalies two times a week,” Murphy said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
Model player: Murphy joked that senior Ryan Kuhn does not look the part of the stereotypical, grizzled hockey player.
“He could be a runway model,” Murphy said.
Kuhn’s perseverance has been impressive. He broke his arm as a freshman but made a full recovery.
“His skill level is really high,” Murphy said.
Laying low: The Scouts are quite content with their underdog
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