By Carla Deak, Ice Arena Administrative Assistant, with contributions from John Delfosse

On June 27 and 28, local hockey player Jackson Delfosse made his presence known on national ice as he represented the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL Ace Bailey Got Skills National Competition in New York City, New York. Jackson, age 11, won the National Championship for Accuracy and Hardest Shot at the Squirt House level, with an impressive 53 mph shot on goal.

Jackson qualified for the national event by winning the regional competition held at the Franklin Park Ice Arena on January 12, 2009. Having skated at the Franklin Park rink since the age of 3, he had built up his skills over the years through hard work and participation in clinics and classes. The regional event brought together hockey players of various levels from the Chicagoland area to compete in several events. Jackson’s average shot of 47.6 mph advanced him to the national competition.

On Saturday, June 27, Jackson won the NHL Western Conference Hardest Shot and Accuracy skill challenges against other regional finalists representing the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Anaheim Ducks. Regional finalists for the NHL Eastern Conference consisted of representatives from the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. Jackson advanced to the finals on Sunday, June 28, where he competed against the two finalists from the Eastern Conference and the second place winner from the Western Conference, winning the national title at the Squirt House level. He also participated in a scrimmage game on Sunday afternoon where he went on to score a hat trick. 

Panthers Coach Mike Smigiel worked with Jackson two times per week leading up to the New York City finals. Mike’s instruction and skill development played a significant role in Jackson’s championship run. His time and dedication is commended! Two other local Panther players, Jake Horvath and Jimmy Blair, also competed in the national competition at the Pee Wee level. Both boys scored well but did not take the championship in their competition areas.

It was an extremely successful trip and the Franklin Park Panthers congratulate Jackson Delfosse on his national titles!

This year’s Panther Coach of the Year is Tony Bertuca.  Tony’s success was not measured by the amount of wins his team had but on the obvious development of the children he has worked with throughout the season.  Not only did he coach our Squirt 1 team, he also assists with our Panther Paws and Junior Panther Instructional program, our Dynamites program, Step Up Your Game class and our Panther Hockey clinics.  Tony’s time and dedication to all these different areas have truly allowed him to have an impact on players of every level and ability in our organization.  He has certainly displayed his passion for the game and love of teaching through all of his involvement.

Not to be overlooked, Tony is also a great family man.  He and his wife Nikki are the proud parents of Frankie and Anthony.  The entire family is to be commended for their constant support of our arena programs, special events and activities.  They are all team players in every sense of the word and we are all very thankful for their friendship and support.

In a society where so much emphasis is placed on being #1 and winning at all costs in sports, it is great to have someone who encourages learning, perseverance and teamwork.  Tony is a valuable teacher both on and off the ice and we are proud to name him our 2008-2009 Panther Coach of the Year.  Thank You Tony!