Is Elmhurst Hockey The Next Big Thing?

With a fresh roster, a new coaching strategy, and a rink full of enthusiastic fans, Elmhurst’s hockey team is skating onto the ice with high hopes and a determination to make their mark this season.

For the past few years, Elmhurst University has had a diverse array of teams such as soccer, football, golf, lacrosse, basketball, and much more. Yet there was always one that’s been missing. Elmhurst Hockey Club was created in August 2024 by junior, Michael Breslin, and will make its debut this fall.

Driven by a strong passion for the sport, Breslin spoke about the inspiration behind starting the club.

“The culture of hockey inspired me to bring not only the sport but the energy to campus. It’s such an exciting sport to play and watch and I could only hope its popularity will help grow our campus,” Breslin said, hoping to convey that same enthusiasm to the rest of the campus community.

For the first year, the team will not compete under the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), But will instead participate as a club within the American College Hockey Association (ACHA).

Nonetheless, this status does not diminish the ambition and skills the team holds. The team will begin competing against schools such as Depaul, Northwestern, Loyola, Wheaton, and several others starting in late September.

Starting the team didn’t come without its fair share of challenges, though. “I honestly think the biggest challenge was communicating with potential players and trying to make this team a reality,” Breslin surmised. “I think for a while nobody was taking it seriously and thought it was all talk. But in the back of my mind, I knew that it could really be something big.”

Practices are held twice a week, for about an hour each day, offering flexibility for other student-athletes and student workers. Breslin has also organized fundraisers that have earned the team over $1,000, allocated towards jerseys, rink time, travel expenses, and more. This provides significant financial relief to many team members, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.

Breslin’s vision for the team is to elevate the school’s athletic programming, while also ensuring the club is enjoyable and accessible, and maintaining a relaxed manageable environment.

So come out and support your fellow Bluejays this season, and see what the team is all about!

Stay up to date on the team’s game schedule and updates on their Instagram @elmhurst.hockey! Roll jays.