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, Ill. 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 gam e.
“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.
“I think this was a very positive event, and I ap preciate the Wolves’ organization for supporting our game. Everyone had a blast and has been talking about it in glowing terms.”
Especially CGHA forward Austin Baidas, who had a goal and an assist – and was named the game’s No. 1 star by the Wolves public-address 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 pr ofessional 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.
“The CGHA achieved another milestone in our development with this game, especially since the game drew a lot of mainstream media attention, which, no doubt, will h elp raise awareness of our goals throughout Chicago, and especially in the hockey and gay communities.”
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.