Welcome to the great state of Illinois, or as some like to call it, the "Land of Lincoln!" And no, not the guy on the penny, but our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. That's right, the tall dude who rocked an epic beard without a mustache. But let's get to the real stars of Illinois - the kids who play hockey! These aren't your ordinary hockey players. Oh no! They're led by their fearless leader, Puck McStick, a cool imaginary character who's as swift as the Chicago wind and as tough as a deep dish pizza crust. With a hockey stick strapped to his back and a puck for a heart, Puck McStick has ice in his veins – literally! The kids from Illinois who play hockey are just like Puck – they're adventurous, courageous, and they don’t mind a little cold. They lace up their skates, strap on their helmets, and zip onto the ice with a glimmer in their eyes and unstoppable determination. They're not afraid of a little fall, because they always get back up, ready to face the challenge again. And believe it or not, they even giggle when their breath turns into frosty clouds in the chilly air! Whether they're from the bustling city of Chicago or the quieter towns of Springfield or Rockford, these Illinois hockey kids are always up for a good game. They might not have polar bear pals or live in igloos like Puck McStick, but they share the same icy passion for hockey and the sense of fun that makes every game a fantastic icy adventure! So, get ready to slide into an Illinois winter wonderland, where the hockey action is as hot as a bowl of chili on a snowy day!
Read morebest hockey programs in Evanston, IL

Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.

At the Evanston Youth Hockey Association (EYHA), we strive to create an environment that is both supportive and competitive. Our members come from all walks of life, and we are proud to serve as a model of acceptance and inclusion. We have a variety of programs designed to help our players reach their goals, from the youngest beginner skaters to our 14U players who are ready to move on to the Evanston High School hockey program. We believe that hockey is an amazing team sport that can be fun, challenging, and inspiring for young people. At EYHA, we work hard to ensure that all of our players are respected and encouraged to reach their full potential, both on the ice and off. Through the commitment of our players, families, coaches, volunteers, and City partners, we are proud to be part of a program that is deeply invested in the success of our young players.