Every January, Breakthru’s top hockey players from across all markets charge into Chicago for the world’s finest company hockey tournament at the United Center, home of the 6-time Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Last year’s edition saw The Star-Nosed Moles take the title, while The Grinders, Blackbirds and Uncle Eddie’s Purple Teeth were left wondering what could have been.
Which team will hoist the cup this year? That will be decided on the ice come January 19th and 20th. In the meantime, we bring you the “Coach’s Corner,” an inside scoop into what we can expect to see at this year’s tourney!
David Lockie
Team Name: The Star-Nosed Moles
Last Year’s Result: Champs
Years as Coach: Every year since its inception
Drafting Strategy: I only look for skaters who can skate in a circle, kind of like NASCAR. We look for players who have traditionally been the last player picked as youngsters. These folks have a chip on their shoulder and skate like demons, kind of like our mascot—The Star-Nosed Mole. The Star-Nosed Mole is the ugliest animal on earth and has been ostracized since the caveman roamed the prairies.
In-Game Strategy: As our PowerPoint Captain Kevin Roberts says, “we skate to where the puck is going, not where it’s been.” I have personally never played hockey, so I don’t know the rules. I’m more into dance.
Players to Watch: Historically, Mike Brown has been a long-time antagonist of The Star-Nosed Moles. His stealth-like moves on the ice create an illusion that he’s actually moving at breakneck speeds, when in fact he is standing still.
Favorite Tournament Memory: Ricky Bobby said it best, “if you ain’t first, you’re last.”
Maggie Lapcewich
Team Name: The Blackbirds, which was actually an old nickname for my favorite hockey team—the Chicago Blackhawks.
Last Year’s Result: I’m going to say we were a close 2nd. We’re going to get the cup back.
Years as Coach: The last 4 years as part of the Wirtz/Breakthru tourneys, but my coaching career started at the inaugural invitational in 2009 playing outdoors at Wrigley Field! Julian Burzynski was Head Coach and I was Assistant Coach/Director of Player development. We won it all in dramatic fashion with seconds to go with Mark Switaj scoring the winning goal!
Drafting Strategy: I’m looking for a balance of tough and experienced players who can provide leadership and great skill no matter what line they’re playing. I prefer to build a team from a wide range of Breakthru markets so we can have a very diverse and talented group from across the U.S and Canada.
In-Game Strategy: I’m not going to publicly reveal my secret strategy for this year’s tournament.
Players to Watch: Jimmy Wirtz, my team captain—he knows how to stir the pot. We have a few secret weapons this year!
Favorite Tournament Memory: Four years ago was my first year as Head Coach and we WON the CUP! I think the name of our team had something to do with it as “The Tequila Sharp Shooters” won every game and celebrated with a few shots of our team beverage after the win!
Ed Callison
Team Name: The Sewer Rats (Previously Uncle Eddie’s Purple Teeth)
Last Year’s Result: Room for improvement
Years as Coach: 3 years
Drafting Strategy: I’m looking for speed and skills, preferably ex-Navy Seals.
In-Game Strategy: I might have a police officer come in and arrest the opposing coach during the game.
Players to Watch: Frank “The Italian Stallion” Battaglia
Favorite Tournament Memory: The first year when the tournament was at Wrigley Field after the Winter Classic. This is just a tremendous team building event, thank you to all who are involved in making the tournament happen.
Julian Burzynski
Team Name: The Grinders
Last Year’s Result: Lost in OT in the finals
Years as Coach: Every year
Drafting Strategy: Picking Canadians
In-Game Strategy: Just win, baby!
Players to Watch: Kevin Roberts. He plays four days a week!
Favorite Tournament Memory: Winning the title!
Jeff Roth
Team Name: The Aces
Last Year’s Result: I was unable to be a part of the tournament last year
Years as Coach: 2 year
Drafting Strategy: I pick players with great hockey hair
In-Game Strategy: First off, I wear lucky socks. Then, I try to see how angry I can get Jimmy Wirtz.
Players to Watch: Confidential
Favorite Tournament Memory: I have never been colder in my life than when we had an outdoor game. So, I’m thrilled the commissioner has decided to move all games indoors.