Now that August is here, we are gearing up for a great start to the 2024-25 hockey season. The board has been working hard to get us ready for a great fall/winter season ahead - and we are excited to share some important updates with you - including announcing our head coaching staff for the season.
Registration is now OPEN!
Our website is now ready for you to enroll your player in the 2024-25 Fall/Winter season! Tryouts are on Thursday, August 22nd at 6:20 pm, and Tuesday, August 27th at 9:10 pm, both at All Seasons Ice Arena. Players are expected to attend both sessions. Each player must complete the registration process on our website before attending - - so please get started as soon as you can! Please go to our website and find "2024-25 Registration" as an available quick link just below the banner photo. https://www.
Please note that, effective August 1, 2024 EVERY player must have a cut-resistant neck guard when they get on the ice, including goalies. This is a new requirement from USA Hockey in light of a number of serious injuries (and even one tragic death) that have occured in the recent past. Please consider purchasing an extra neck guard for your player. The Illinois West league has a 'zero tolerance' policy for this rule - players will NOT be allowed to play if they are not wearing a proper, cut-resistant neck guard.
On a MUCH happier note, our board is thrilled to announce our head coaching staff for this season!
Scott Matthews - Varsity Head Coach and Hockey Director
We are thrilled to welcome Scott back to the club after he stepped in last year as interim head coach for the State playoffs. Our Varsity team responded well to his direction and coaching, advancing to the Final Four in the state, narrowly losing the semi-final game to the eventual state champions.
Scott grew up in the area, and played youth hockey locally across the Chicagoland area, including with Team Illinois and Naperville Central High School. Scott was drafted to play in both the OHL and USHL, opting to continue his playing career in Canada. After playing briefly with the Cornwall Royals in the OHL, Scott continued his playing career in the Central Ontario Hockey League before eventually returning home.
As a coach, Scott has earned his Level 4 Coaching credentials from USA Hockey, and has led teams at the club and High School level. Over the past seven years, Scott has coached with the Chicago Hawks, leading Central States teams at the Squirt and Bantam level, and coached the 10U and 12U state champion Girls teams. His commitment to structured team play, helping players to make better on-ice decisions and developing leadership skills makes him a great fit for our club.
Ian O'Rear - Junior Varsity Head Coach
Joining our club in 2024-25, Ian O'Rear brings over 25 years of coaching and skill development to Naperville Hockey Club. A Level 4 Coach with USA Hockey, Ian is passionate about helping hockey players build the skills they need to be successful and prepare them for the next level of competition. Ian played high-level hockey throughout his career, winning a national championship at the Midget level before moving on to play Junior Hockey in Canada, playing in both Quebec and Ontario's major junior leagues. Despite a serious injury in his draft-eligible year, Ian joined the Washington Capitals organization for two seasons before transitioning to coaching. Ian has been successful coaching at the club and AAA levels before moving to coach High School hockey. Ian has also been involved in skill development at every level of youth hockey, and has run his own skill development company, delivering workshops to help players at all levels develop their hockey skills.
With Scott and Ian, we have the most experienced head coaching staff of any hockey club in the area for this age group. In addition to their individual experiences and credentials, Scott and Ian work well together. Having coaches that are truly aligned at the Varsity and JV creates a better experience for our student-athletes to develop in our club's system - making it easier for players to transition from JV to Varsity, or by understanding what they need to develop to be more successful. Aligned coaches means clearer feedback, more consistency at practices and games and with the players' commitment to development, a stronger program for the entire club.
Tuesday Night Summer Skates Continue - August 6, 13, 20.
There is still time to come out and work off the rust at our Tuesday Night summer skates! 8:50 pm at All Seasons on August 6, 13, 20. This skate is open to all potential club members - from incoming freshmen to seniors!
Pre-Season Get Together at Potters Place
Our board has planned Family Get Together at Potters Place (29 W. Jeffereson Ave.) on Tuesday, August 27, 5pm - 8pm. This is a great chance to meet other families, catch up with old friends, meet the new coaches and learn more about what we have planned for 2024-25. Complimentary Taco Bar provided by Potters Place, cash bar for drinks.
I hope you have had a great summer - - looking forward to seeing you at the rink!
Jim Carleton
Club President, Naperville Hockey Club
