It was the highlight of his hockey career, which includes a stint on the varsity team for Huntley High School.
Anthony Alfano and his teammates from the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) took to the ice at Soldier Field Feb. 4. Yes, hockey was played outside on the home field of the Chicago Bears.
The White Team defeated the Red Team 10-9 in a shootout.
“Skating [at] Soldier Field was an exciting opportunity,” said Alfano, 22. “Not many athletes can say they have participated in an athletic event at a major sporting venue, such as Soldier Field. Playing a game of [hockey] outdoors on Soldier Field, with some of my best friends, is definitely a highlight of my hockey career and young adult life.”
Alfano and about 40 other CGHA skaters braved temperatures in the 20s for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It wasn’t too cold, especially as we started skating and playing,” said Alfano, who lives in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. “As soon as I started moving around the ice, I was able to warm up very quickly; the temperature felt no different than playing a game at an indoor rink.
“I’ve played [hockey] at the United Center [and the] Allstate Arena, but playing at a venue that is not typically intended for hockey was pretty sweet. The atmosphere was very exciting, especially witnessing many of our players who [previously] have not had this type of opportunity. I cannot really compare it to an [amateur] state championship game, but it definitely is an experience that I will always cherish.”
Brian Hull, 29, who lives in Lakeview, also skated at Soldier Field.
“It was a great way to bring everyone associated with the CGHA together for one big night,” he said. “We had new players, seasoned veterans, friends and family all show up to support our group and make this skate another huge success.
“It was another unforgettable moment with the CGHA that I’ll cherish for a long time. Just like our road trips, tournaments, and the [annual Gay] Pride Parade, this [Soldier Field game] joins a long list of memorable events with some of my closest friends.”
Andrew Sobotka, the CGHA president, said the team jumped at the chance to skate at Soldier Field. The team entered a lottery to get the chance to sell 200 tickets to the college hockey double-header [that will be played at Soldier Field on Sunday, Feb. 17], and the CGHA was selected.
There were 42 players for the CGHA game, ranging in age from 20 to 50.
Tyler Kelley was selected the Player of the Game as he scored two goals and added five assists.
“It was a lot of fun [playing at Soldier Field] and all of our players fought through the cold and the ice conditions to play a really competitive game,” Sobotka said.
—Outdoor college hockey will be played at Soldier Field Feb. 17 for the first time ever, featuring four of the nation’s best men’s college ice hockey teams. The puck drops at noon when Notre Dame faces Miami (Ohio) University, followed by Minnesota against Wisconsin (3:30 p.m.).