The Chicago Gay Hockey Association continued its winning ways Saturday—with a victory in its highest-profile game ever.
The CGHA Black Wolves defeated the Chicago Whalers 4-1 before about 500 fans at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The convincing win followed the team's recent Rolling Meadows Senior Men's League championship—and was the first win in the team's new jerseys, complete with championship patch. The game was played before the Chicago Wolves' last regular-season game.
'It was great to see so many friends at the game. I've received a lot of positive comments about the experience and everyone already is looking forward to making this an annual event,' said the CGHA's Andy Rogers. 'The game went so fast; I was surprised when it was over. It was one big blur. My brother started playing hockey because he wanted to play hockey with me some day, so it was exciting to play on the same line with him.
CGHA forward Austin Baidas had a goal and an assist—and was named the game's No. 1 star by the Wolves announcer.
Chuck Jacobson scored the CGHA's first goal and was named the game's No. 2 star. CGHA goalie Keith Halverson made 21 saves in the final two periods and was named the game's No. 3 star.
'Playing in a professional venue is an honor and a thrill,' said CGHA forward Ryan Ruskin. 'It was a great experience, especially getting to experience, albeit briefly, what our professional counterparts experience in all of their games—having our names announced before the game, having goals announced and just playing in a beautiful arena.'
Larry Zyks also had a goal for the CGHA, which held the Whalers scoreless until the final minute of play when they put one past Halverson.
The CGHA will play its next game in May and, in June, the team will travel to New York City to participate in the annual Chelsea Challenge Tournament, an international gay hockey event. The CGHA also will participate in Chicago's annual Gay Pride Parade and have a booth at the Halsted Market Days neighborhood festival in August.
Call ( 773 ) 968-7474.