Minooka Hockey Club celebrates with Chamber ribbon cutting

MINOOKA – For the first time, Minooka has its very own hockey club and organizers have already hit the ground, rather ice, running.

The Minooka Hockey Club formally started in January 2025 and has more than 35 student athletes enrolled.

“The Minooka Hockey Club is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide student athletes with an opportunity to proudly represent Minooka High School while developing their hockey skills, fostering a strong sense of community, and preparing for future success both on and off the ice,” said Club President Dan Manno in a news release.

The program emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, accountability, and leadership, instilling values that extend beyond the rink, Manno continued. They are committed to balancing athletic excellence with academic achievement, ensuring players excel in the classroom and on the ice.

“Through a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to inspire confidence, camaraderie, and a lifelong passion for hockey, empowering students to reach their full potential as athletes, leaders, and individuals,” Manno said.

The club is currently competing in the Neuqua Valley High School Spring League, using the season as a development opportunity for players and coaches as they prepare for entry into the Illinois West High School Hockey League this fall.

To celebrate the club’s official creation Minooka Hockey Club has joined the Channahon Minooka Chamber, a part of the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A chamber ribbon cutting was held on the high school campus April 23. At the event the players presented Mayor Ric Offerman with his own Minooka Hockey Club jersey, which he quickly put on and joined the team for photos.

“The Minooka Hockey Club’s administration and players are already illustrating their skills not only as hockey players, but as players who are respectful and who are working to be involved community members,” Chamber President & CEO Christina Van Yperen said.

The volunteer administrators for the club are as follows: President Dan Manno, Vice President / Treasurer John Mendoza, Operations Advisor and Club Liaison Mark Karkoska, Registration Andrea Mattison and Rules, Ethics and High School Liaison Paige Schoolman.

Games can be watched live on the Minooka Hockey Club YouTube channel found @MinookaHockey. The games are announced by high school students. The club is working to build a game-day experience generating the same excitement as Friday Night Lights bringing the students, families and community together.

The club is self-funded and self-governed, therefore its volunteer administrators are looking for sponsorships to support the team.

For game schedules, to sponsor and for more information visit minookahockey.com.