It sounds like any other hockey game, but this rink at Chicago's Fifth Third Arena is packed with women and girls. Some are fast, all are focused, and everyone is fired up. CEO of Chicago Elite Hockey, Coach Steve Baglio, "I can't even explain it. There's a switch that flips. It's so natural for me to be out here. It's like my language."
Steve grew up in Michigan and played hockey in high school until a wrist injury ended his playing days. He went on to work for Disney on Ice, then toured the world in the events industry, eventually settling down in Chicago. "Chicago is just a vibe for me," said Bagalia. "It’s walkable, it’s easy to get around without a car, and the food — the food might be the biggest reason. It has always felt like home."
And while Chicago had the energy Bagalia loved, it was missing something. "In Minnesota, they've harbored this amazing girls hockey culture that we just didn't have here in Chicago," said Bagalia.
So he built it, starting Girls Clubs, classes, and hosting camps. He has helped players from age 3 to their 70s find confidence on the ice.
"Instead of the old idea of hockey being about dads and sons," explains Bagalia, "we’re creating this culture of daughters and moms playing. And I feel like I’m at the forefront of that."
Women’s pro leagues have recently drawn huge crowds, leading to sold out stadiums. Bagalia has helped women and girls in Chicago get in on the action, and has given them skills that transfer beyond the ice
“I’m a skilled player and a skilled coach, but my niche is accessibility," said Bagalia. "Most talented coaches want to coach elite players. I wanted to create opportunity where it didn’t exist."