Paul Ravenna, a four-year varsity hockey player for perennial power Glenbrook North, credits a group of 2nd- and 3rd-graders for his on-ice success. At least part of it.
And obviously vice versa too.
Ravenna, 18, a senior co-captain at the Northbrook school, is in his third season as a volunteer coach for area mite house-league players, including his younger brother, Angelo, 8.
“It’s exciting because when they first start, they don’t know a lot about the game. By the end of the season they’re turning into hockey players. That’s fun to see,” said Ravenna, whose team last year finished third in the eight-team league.
The mite team practices every Saturday, then plays games Sunday mornings.
“Sure, coaching is giving back, but more than that, it’s something I enjoy doing,” said Ravenna, who started coaching for a class that required community service. “I remember when I was their age having high school-aged kids as coaches and was just in awe. Now the tables have turned.”
The youngsters often attend Spartans games. Angelo usually sits right behind the class at the Northbrook Sports Complex and is quick to analyze the game, particularly Paul’s play.
“Angelo talks about every play, how things happen, what I should have done, what I did,” Paul Ravenna said. “He’s a critic as much as a fan.”
Ravenna (13 goals, 10 assists) is the Spartans’ leading scorer. “Coaching absolutely helps me,” Ravenna said. “[The mites] don’t really care about the winning and losing aspect; it’s just a game to them. They just go out to have fun–and that’s something I try to bring into the varsity locker room.
“Coaching definitely helps me keep things in perspective.”
It also helps with fundamentals, he said.
Ravenna is an outfielder for the Spartans’ baseball team. He also is a leader in the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club, which meets every Monday night. Ravenna attends most GBN athletic events, saying that’s a “hobby.”
“Four years, man, it’s been a crazy ride,” said Ravenna, who was the only 9th-grader on the varsity his freshman season, which included a trip to the state semifinals. During his sophomore season, there was only one freshman added, and that season featured one of Ravenna’s most memorable moments, when he dressed in goalie pads for part of a game against Loyola Gold after the team’s goaltender was injured.
“Coming up through [the Northbrook Hockey League], I never expected to be on varsity for four years. Then when I made varsity as a freshman, that was really exciting. I don’t feel pressure to set an example, but I know that I have to. I know I have to show, not just tell, someone if he’s doing something wrong.”
