Page 37 - February 2018 FOP Newsletter

We’ve had guys drafted by the NHL. And we have guys who just started out playing.
“We really have all levels,” he continued. “Anyone who’s want- ed to play on our teams, we’ve always found a spot for them.”
Although the Blackhawks no longer call Johnny’s Ice House on Madison Avenue – just around the corner from Chicago Lodge 7 – their practice home, the Stars squad regularly hits the ice there as part of the legendary facility’s adult leagues. Currently, the Stars have two teams entered at the “B” level, two at “C” and one in the Federal League, which Katz said is generally for newer players.
No matter the skill set or experience on the ice, each team is out there with a simple focus.
“Everybody gets out there and everybody has fun. We play for exercise and we play for the competitiveness,” explained Katz, who said he plays forward because “I’m a lousy defenseman.”
And the end result of any practice or game is something that can actually help on the job.
“We like to get out there and blow off a little steam,” he added.
Playing area teams at Johnny’s is only one aspect of the Stars’ story. Giving back to the community is as much a part of its mis- sion as giving a solid check to an opponent in the corner.
“We love playing during the season, but the fundraisers and the charities we raise money for really make it worthwhile,” said Katz, adding that the Stars have played games to benefit the 100 Club of Chicago, Wounded Warriors and Honor Flight. “A lot of
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Stars align for game to benefit Bernico family
n BY DAN CAMPANA
During a difficult time after the loss of his father to cancer, 14-year-old Tony Bernico found a reason to smile when he and several fellow youth hockey players took the ice for a special scrimmage against the Chicago FOP Stars hockey team in January.
Bernico is the son of 24-year Department veteran Pat- rick Bernico, who died Jan. 7 less than two months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tony, who plays at the bantam level for the Romeoville-based Huskies Hockey Club, manned the net for his squad wearing a commemorative custom CPD-themed jersey bearing the number “3950” in honor of his father’s star.
“He idolized his dad,” shared Laura Bernico of her son. He’s always been proud of the fact his dad was a police officer.”
Friends, family, Bernico’s police colleagues and many others turned out for the Jan. 28 game at Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville to catch the action and raise money for the family. The day turned out to be therapeutic in some ways for both Tony and Laura.
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2018 37