Currently, Rich successfully coaches kid from ages 4 to 18 years old.  He acts as the Development Hockey Director for the Northbrook Bluehawks.  Rich is also Head Coach for Glenbrook North Junior Varsity--the Blackhawk Cup State Champions!. 

Coach Blakey also carries Division I college hockey experience--both as a player and an assistant coach at University of Illinois, Chicago.

Blakey's background also includes signficant arena management and design experience. He has directed ice arena operations, engineered new rink developments and run nearly 200 weeks of hockey camp operations throughout his career.

The Chicago Blackhawks welcome Rich Blakey and look forward to a great summer hockey experience for kids!

1.  Why is hockey the greatest and most challenging of all sports?

Hockey is a sport that combines two primary skills...skating and puckhandling.  As complex as these skills are, "the game within a game" challenges the player and reinforces the need to continually improve these skills to play at a higher level.  

And then as the skills are developed, you still have to bring an excitement and desire to compete every shift of the game.  It's a great challenge to be a great hockey player.  It's rewarding to try and help kids achieve those goals. 

 2.  Why do I like coaching hockey?

The game has given me a lot of enjoyment. Coaching allows me to stay involved in hockey.  To develop young players and then see them enjoy the game in the future is probably the biggest reason I continue to coach and teach hockey.

3. What can Blackhawk Campers expect from my leadership?