Ari Aberman Named New Highland Park Head Coach, Replacing Bob Melton

By Ross Forman

Ari Aberman has been coaching for 12 years, with 10 of those at the high school level. He’s been an assistant at Loyola, Deerfield and Highland Park. His coaching career has included a final four run in the IHSHL North-Central Division playoffs, a state tournament upset win over Brother Rice, a Stevenson Thanksgiving Tournament championship and three seasons alongside Highland Park head coach Bob Melton, arguably the most successful high school hockey coach in Illinois history.

Now Aberman moves into the head coaching role, as the 45-year-old was named the new Giants head coach, replacing Melton.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I had to coach with Bob Melton; his resume speaks for itself,” Aberman said. “Bob reminded me how fun it is to be around the rink with the boys, and how to be a players’ coach. His passion for the sport, his ability to make in-game adjustments and his unique approach to special teams are just some of the things I appreciated about him. 

“Anthony Booth gave me my first high school coaching opportunity at Loyola, and I have appreciated the guidance and conversations over the years from (such longtime Illinois coaches as) Dan Wood, Evan Poulakidas, Chris Waters and Brian Coleman.”

Aberman, who lives in Deerfield, is the Chicagoland Area Director for Cutco Gifting and is married with three daughters. He inherits a Giants squad that finished second-to-last in the 12-team Varsity Champions League of the North-Central Division with a 3-18-1 regular season record. His push is a “habits-drive” approach. “If our habits and intentions are in the right place, good results will follow,” he said.

“I have history with the club, and everyone has treated me well. It was an easy decision. I know I have big shoes to fill but am excited and grateful for the opportunity.

“Top to bottom, we all need to be better. That’s the expectation from day one. We want to be a more difficult team to play against. We will hold one another more accountable and work together to compete on a higher level every night. If we take care of the details, and our habits are in good order, we will be fine.”

Aberman’s playing career included stints with the Billings Bulls and Texas Tornado in the NAHL. He also played defense at Fredonia State (NCAA) and the University of Illinois in Champaign (ACHA). He was a Tier 1 state champion at Team Illinois and alternate captain for the Illini.

“The best coaches I played for were always the best communicators,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but making sure each player has a clear understanding of where he or she stands – and how to improve – is imperative to strengthening the foundation of a program and the trust within.”

An Aberman-led team will have “intensity, accountability and unconditional commitment,” he said. “For me, it’s all about providing the best experience for the players. If you are a good person, show up on time and work hard, I won’t ask much more of you. Our habits are what create results, and the goal for everyone, and our group, is to become the best version of ourselves. When we do that, and do it daily, the rest takes care of itself.”

The Giants have many key returners, including their top four points leaders from this past season: Alex Alberts, Brady Kimelman, Cole Rosenbloom and Miles Klein, plus top goalie Will Romo.

“The expectation will be to improve in all aspects. We only graduated two seniors and getting Noah Engle back from a season-long injury will be a nice boost to our lineup. We will lean on our upperclassmen to lead the way,” Aberman said. “It was a tough season all around last year. With 14 skaters at full capacity, it was difficult to compete night in and night out against any team in our league. It’s not an excuse. We all need to be better. We all expect to. And we will be. 

“Varsity Champions is a tough league with BG/H/W, New Trier Blue, Evanston, PREP, Chicago North and others. There are a lot of teams that seem to reload every year. At the same time, it’s a fun league to play in, and we are excited to get going.”

And yes, Aberman is already set for the night-before-Thanksgiving when Highland Park battles archrival Deerfield in front of a standing-room-only crowd in Vernon Hills.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach in six of these (rivalry games), and on both sides. So yes, we all know not to make other plans that night, every year,” Aberman said. “The atmosphere for that game is electric. It is such a great experience for both clubs, schools and the students who attend. Living in Deerfield and coaching at Highland Park adds another element of excitement, especially with our kids at home.”

The Highland Park assistants will be Brian Kelly, Chris Affinati and Jacob Schaffer.

“Brian is the glue of our staff. He’s been at HP for 10+ years; the kids love him and he is super loyal/dependable,” Aberman said. “Chris will be a great addition to our group. He has long-standing relationships with the kids, and his overall experience and skill work will benefit us greatly. Jacob is an HP alum, has great rapport with the kids and will be a great asset for us in his first year on the varsity bench.”