Illinois West varsity players were invited to attend a College Day Seminar hosted by Illinois West. This program was designed to discuss the ACHA program and opportunities to play college hockey after high school. With the college coaches on each bench, a select number of players from each club were also offered the opportunity to scrimmage. Representatives from Bradley, Iowa, Lewis, Northern, Northwestern and Robert Morris were on hand to discuss the ACHA and their programs. DHS Head Coach Chaz Davis also spoke during the seminar, addressing his years as not only a player in the ACHA, but a coach. After Head Coach Rinaldo (D2) of Northern Illinois University and Tom Wendlandt, Robert Morris Director of Operations discussed ACHA in general, each college discussed their campus size, majors offered, and the hockey program at their school. Time was also allotted for the players to meet with each college, introduce themselves, and discuss their program. Then it was off to the ice! With over an hour of scrimmage time, the players had a fantastic time in a running clock scrimmage, joining players from each club as they displayed their skills. This was a phenomenal opportunity for the players to explore their college and hockey future. “I have spoken to many of the ACHA coaches, and they are always looking for an opportunity to see the high school players, and let them know there is a place for them in college hockey” said Glenn Jauch, VP of Hockey Operations for Illinois West. “I know many players that have graduated from their high school programs and now are playing college hockey. It’s like heading into your freshman year of college and having your own fraternity and making new lifelong friends through the hockey programs.” President of Illinois West, Jim McKeague, was also on hand for the event. “Glenn put a lot of effort into putting this program together, and I think he did an outstanding job. I’m sure this is just one of many College Days Illinois West will be hosting in the future. The feedback from the colleges, as well as the parents and players attending, was very positive. The colleges were able to explain what they have to offer, and the players and parents had their questions answered. It was a great day of hockey at the rink.”
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