Mike Lebarre started playing hockey in 1965 at Michael Kirby Park, an outdoor rink on South Loomis Avenue. He spent his youth playing in ice rinks around the Chicago area; Oak Park, Glenwood, Saints Spectrum, and Willow Springs. As a senior in high school, Mike, his brother Joe, and several friends started the first ever hockey team at Bogan High School.
After starting a family, Mike returned to hockey in the 1980’s, back to Saints Spectrum in Bridgeview. He started as a referee, and then turned to coaching a Squirt House League Team for the Chicago Hawks. It was there that he met Bob Arturo, the Learn to Skate director. Bob was quick to recruit Mike as a coach for the Hawks Learn to Skate program. Soon after, Mike was appointed to the Chicago Hawks Board of Directors and was elected President. Under Mike’s direction, the Hawks became one of the largest hockey clubs in Illinois.
Categories: Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame