Coach: How Ex-Blackhawk Ben Eager made journey from Ottawa to Glenview

Many years ago, former Chicago Blackhawks star Ben Eager was skating on one of many outdoor rinks in his hometown of Ottawa, Canada. He, like so many other young Canadians, took to the sport of hockey and dreamed of playing the game at the big-time level.

Eager had a clear talent for the sport as well as a passion for the game, and it led him on a long, curving journey from Ontario's beautiful outdoor rinks to their minor league system, to then playing in the Canadian Junior Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. Following that, it was a step up to bigger things: the AHL (including a stint with our beloved Chicago Wolves) and finally making it to the NHL - the dream realized - for 10 years with not only the Blackhawks but also the Philadelphia Flyers, Atlanta Thrashers, San Jose Sharks, and finally the Edmonton Oilers.

It was a long and successful 10-year NHL career, highlighted by being a member of the Hawks 2010 Stanley Cup winning championship team - and famously scoring the game-winning goal in game 2 of those playoffs against his old team, the Flyers.

Amazingly, after that long geographical journey, somehow, someway, Eager has landed right here in our hometown of Glenview. He can now be found not in the glaring lights of professional hockey but instead tucked away quietly in a small, unassuming industrial section of Glenview right off West Lake Avenue, where he is the owner of a small hockey instruction facility called Jet Hockey.

"I really enjoy it," says Eager. "Gives me a chance to work with young kids and pass on some of my experience in the game. I love helping them become better players and better persons."

Here is the real beauty of it: Eager doesn't just put his name to the center and let others teach.

Nope, not his style. He is more hands-on. More often than not, it is the ex-NHL star himself instructing the small group or running individual training sessions - no "big-timing" for this former professional star.

"Oh ya, I do pretty much everything around here," Eager said. "I even drive the Zamboni machine that helps keep the ice in good shape."

Ya gotta love it. From the bright lights of the NHL to small-rink Zamboni driver. You never know the twist and turns life will take.

So how did the left winger come about running the hockey facility?

"My playing career had come to an end, and we were settling with the family here in Chicago. I heard about this Jet Hockey facility being for sale and was intrigued. So, I checked it out and thought it might be a good opportunity and something I would enjoy."

That was back in 2016, and since then, Eager has really expanded the Jet Hockey programming. It is a smaller rink, so they don't host traditional games or big travel leagues but instead concentrate on individual lessons and skill development, as well as small-group sessions. They will also do video reviews with players and offer 3-on-3 leagues, parties, ice rental time and even host practice time for some of our top local travel teams, such as the Glenview Stars, The Northbrook Blue Hawks, The Northbrook Warhawks, and the Northern Express.

Actually, and surprisingly, the smaller rink can be a benefit in improving a player's skill level, as players get more touches in this tighter environment, requiring more technical prowess, thus increasing development in areas such as puck possession, stickhandling, and skating agility.

"We get all ages in our facility, from beginners all the way up to age 50," said Eager. "Some of the top high school kids will come in for extra instruction, and we even have a little kids program open to ages 4 through 9 called Little Blackhawks."

And if you're looking to fill up some holiday down time? The Jet Hockey Training Arena is right there for you offering specialized shooting clinics starting Dec. 28-30 and another one beginning Jan. 3. All, it should be noted, with Eager himself, on the ice directly involved offering his advice and tutelage.

Eager emphasizes that Jet Hockey is not just about skill development. "We want each of the players to leave the ice when they're done with a smile on their face. Enjoying the experience and learning to love the game - and that goes for the parents as well!"

Finally, how does coach Ben see today's young players compared to his generation?

"Oh, my goodness, they are so good at such a young age now. I am constantly amazed at the skill level and the creativity that these kids have today. Much better than when I first started playing."

Jet Hockey is located at 1820 Pickwick Ave. in Glenview. You can reach them at jethockeyarena.com or (224) 616-3086. More often than not, when you call the number, it will be the ex-NHL'er himself answering the phones. That's just the way he runs.

And if coach Ben doesn't answer the phone? He's probably out on the ice driving the Zamboni machine - with a big smile on his face.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.