They no longer are just that gay team but, rather, that championship-winning team.
The Chicago Gay Hockey Association ( CGHA ) , nicknamed the Blackwolves, defeated Thin Ice 3-1 on March 25 at the West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows to claim the team's second consecutive league championship. Last September, the CGHA also won its division in the annual Coors Cup, held in Los Angeles.
'It's nice to win the league title for the second year in a row; this really proves that our first title was not a fluke,' said Andy Rogers, a member of the CGHA Board of Directors and also a right wing. 'We worked hard this season, especially during the playoffs. Our second championship will, no doubt, be good for the group long-term; hopefully, it will help attract new members.'
The Blackwolves ended their 2005-'06 season with five consecutive wins, although none was easy—especially the championship game. Thin Ice grabbed a 1-0 lead less than one minute into the game when a shot from the blue line deflected off a Thin Ice player's stick and past CGHA goalie Keith Halverson.
'Anytime a team scores in the first five minutes, it definitely has the potential to rattle that team that surrenders that goal,' Halverson said. 'But we hung solid and eventually pulled out the win. This win was very typical for how our team has played all year. We're all about determination.' The Blackwolves have trailed in two of their last three games heading into the third period.
Rusty Fleury, playing for the first time in 2006, tied the score with 7:50 remaining to play, converting a wristshot from the left side off a pass from defenseman Steve Ness.
Ness scored the game-winner at 3:30 of the third period with a slapshot goal from the blue line off a pass from Larry Zyks.
'We never let up, even after we fell behind. We just kept playing hard,' Rogers said. 'We might have shocked some teams when we first started playing because here we were this gay team playing hockey. Now the shock is that we're not only winning games, but championships too.
'And ya know, it really feels good to win the championship, just as it did last year,' he added. 'This was a very good team we played against. Neither team dominated ( the play ) ; this was just a good, well-played game.'
Rogers scored the insurance goal with :14 remaining, sending the puck from the Blackwolves' blue line into the open net. Fleury had the assist.
'When teams played against us in our first year, they wanted to know if we could even skate. Now, I think they know we can play. We might have shocked people at the start, but not anymore. Now, we not only win games, but championships, too. And I think the other teams really are starting to respect us as a team that always plays hard and wins, not just as the gay team.'
Halverson made 28 saves to secure the victory. Backup goalie John Adams supported the troops from the stands, along with the injured Billy Reay and, believe it or not, numerous CGHA fans.
Forward Michael Ko was his traditional reckless, no-fear style. Defensemen Tom Economou and Shane Jackson were steady, as always, on a team that relies on its defense.
'We want to prove that gay people can play hockey, and play at a competitive level,' Rogers said.
The CGHA is a mix of gay, straight, lesbian and transgender individuals, and the team's roster seems to cross all ethnic barriers. Pat Mazzone, who is straight, is in his third season with the team—and got to play on his first CGHA championship after missing last year's title game due to business travel.
'It was a great team effort and this really is a great group of guys,' Mazzone said. 'The team is a conglomeration of every [ sexual orientation ] and the great thing is, [ sexual orientation ] is not the topic or even a discussion on this team. The CGHA is just a bunch of guys who want, and like to, play hockey. Everyone is accepting of everyone, for who they are.
'Winning the championship was nice, but, truly, that was icing on the cake. The best part of the CGHA is the fun we have—before, during and after games.'
The CGHA is ready for the Gay Games, team members said after the league championship. The hockey portion of the Games will be played at the Heartland Ice Arena in Lincolnwood.
'Mentally, we are in a perfect position for the Games,' Halverson said. 'We know we can compete and we have the confidence.'
CGHA founder Chuck Jacobson added: 'Anyone coming to Chicago for the Games better be ready to go through the CGHA for the championship. The Games will be played in our hometown, so we want to win it all.'
The CGHA will be hosting its second annual Wolves Night Out on April 15 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
