Captain Billy Barrett Pushes 18U Chicago Hawks To Avenge 2026 State Championship Loss

By Ross Forman
Billy Barrett will skate once again this fall for the 18U Chicago Hawks – with the captain’s C on the front and No. 89 emblazed on the back of the red, white and blue uniform. And yes, the number has significance to 17-year-old Barrett:

His brother, Bobby, wore No, 88, “and I always wanted to be one better than him,” he said.

Barrett, who lives in Downers Grove, will be a senior in the fall at Downers Grove South High School. He has played his entire career for the Chicago Hawks and has been team captain many years.

“As our team captain, Billy provides unmatched work ethic and leadership,” said Jonathan Cannizzo, head coach of the Chicago Hawks 18U AA team in the Central States Development Hockey League (CSDHL). “He competes at a high level every day and is an excellent role model for the Hawks program.”

Barrett said a career highlight came this past season: killing the first penalty of the state championship game to propel his team, though the Hawks fell 5-1 to the Leafs on March 8 in Mount Prospect.

“Having such a tight bond with all my teammates and going to our friends houses after games to hang out with all the boys,” was a highlight this past season, Barrett said.

Barrett brings a gritty game, with a willingness to go in the corner and block shots for his team.

A personal hockey highlight has been “making new friends every year and becoming lifelong friends outside of the game,” he said. 

“I am super excited to be with a bunch of new guys (in the fall, to) show them the ropes and different knowledge I gained my first year of 18U hockey. I also want to be a good support system for them as hockey is tough not only physically but mentally.

“I love to win, no matter the stake. This stems from a young age of constantly competing against my brother and sister, Bridget. From intense basketball games to boxing in the house, I would always lose against my brother but kept trying until I would win.

“I try to motivate others by being a good example and trying to do the little things right. A good example is, I love blocking a shot that gets the boys on the bench hyped.”

Barrett said his journey with the Chicago Hawks has been amazing and it’s “taught me lessons beyond the sport of hockey,” he said. “Also, (the Hawks) have an amazing coaching staff (that has) helped me grow as a player and person.”

Barrett said the 2026 state championship game was emotion-filled, especially knowing it was the last time he would be playing with many childhood friends, as well as new friends from the season. It was, he said, “a very sad time, but that taught me to never take moments for granted as you never know when it can be your last.”

Slapshots With … Chicago Hawks Center Billy Barrett

Off The Ice: He is a caddy at Ruth Lake Country Club and plays golf for his high school.
It Helps: Lifting Weights, “taking my dog for runs and water skiing which helps my balance and coordination on the ice.”
Overcoming Obstacles: “This past season, I broke my wrist in a spring game and had surgery. This strengthened the message to not take things for granted. Every time I take a step back from the game, I realize how much I miss it from the time with my boys to being able to play. I learn to not take it for granted.” 
Hockey Superstition: “Left skate always goes on before my right.”
Long-term Career Goals: “Go to college to study accounting and become a CPA. In college, I would like to continue my hockey career while maintaining good academics.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Andrew Shaw
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Rocky
Favorite TV Show: Outer Banks
Motivational Song: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Favorite Pre-game Meal: “(I) don’t eat before games, (just drink) Gatorade.”
Favorite app: Tik Tok
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Tiger Woods