Eric Vlasic Celebrates Decades In Goal For The Chicago Storm – And His Celebrity Brother

By Ross Forman
Eric Vlasic has spent 21 years stopping pucks in goal for the Chicago Storm Special Hockey team, which is dedicated to providing individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play hockey in a supportive and inclusive environment.

He has always loved hockey and the camaraderie with his teammates. He loves being a part of the Chicago Blackhawks family. He loves traveling to out-of-town tournaments throughout the year and he proudly wears the Storm jersey.

His favorite Storm memory was standing beside his brother, Alex, during the national anthem at the Rockford Ice Hogs game after having played earlier with his team. He was a very proud brother that day.

Alex, of course, is a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks and has skated in the NHL since 2022. Alex was selected by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Alex, 25, is a Wilmette native who began skating at the age of 3 for the Wilmette Braves. 

Eric and Alex’s sister, Emma, played hockey at Yale University and with the Connecticut Whale.

Eric, 31, was born in Chicago, grew up in Wilmette and now lives in Libertyville. He graduated from New Trier in 2013 and works in hotel hospitality.

Eric has hockey practice every Sunday morning at Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee.

“Between the pipes and beyond the game, Eric Vlasic shows that heart, courage, teamwork and a positive attitude that makes every save unforgettable,” said Storm Top Shelf head coach Jack Raslawski.

Eric works out daily on the elliptical to improve his game. He has improved through hard work and assistance from coaches.

“Eric continues to improve in goal and gives it his all in every game,” said Michelle Millard, Storm president and co-program director with her husband, Wayne. “Besides his mad goalie skills, he brings a calm, positive attitude to the rink (for) practices and games.

“He is not only an important part of our more advanced team’s goalie tandem, but he is also a great role model for our newer goalies.”

Eric has received the Storm Player of the Year award and has been one of the team’s captains since 2016.

Eric is extremely proud of his brother, Alex. He remembers playing hockey throughout the years on his backyard ice rink with his sister and his brother. He played both goalie and as a player on the ice with his sister being coach.

Eric’s favorite NHL hockey team is the Chicago Blackhawks and his favorite player is, well, that’s obvious: brother Alex. Eric also is a fan of the Chicago Wolves, and Wendell Young was his favorite AHL player.

Stopping Shots With … Chicago Storm Goalie Eric Vlasic

Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead and The Pitt, which he watches with his mom.
Favorite Meal: Seafood pasta
Celebrity He’d Like To Meet:Dominik Hasek