Honoring Jack Weinberg

By Ross Forman

Jack Weinberg went to the Winnetka Ice Arena years ago to register his oldest son for hockey and was met by club president John Skalla, who was a good friend of Weinberg’s older brother.

Skalla asked Weinberg what he was doing at the rink, then immediately said, “Congratulations … you are a house league (hockey) coach,” since Skalla knew Weinberg had long played. 

Weinberg hesitated, then said, No. “I told him I (was) an assistant varsity soccer coach at New Trier, had never coached hockey and was too busy.”

Skalla wasn’t listening, and Weinberg eventually relented.

“I coached and eventually ran the (Winnetka) house league with help from Tom Gullen from the Winnetka Park District. I was later tapped to be the travel director,” Weinberg said. “My friend and house league buddy Kevin Bolger rose up the ranks of the club and became the president of Winnetka. He was recruited to be on the suspension committee at AHAI and eventually recruited me when he became the chair. I was a member for many years and then was asked to join the AHAI board as co-chair of Tier II. During the intervening years I continued to coach and referee. I coached at multiple levels and became hockey director for a high school club and assisted Steve Glickman. 

“I was approached a few years later by John Dunne, then-AHAI president, to become the chair of the high school committee. Sometime later Kevin Bolger became president appointed me as chair of the suspension committee. I chaired both committees for several years and still chair the suspension committee.”

Weinberg, 68, who lives in Glencoe and is the president of Pro Consulting Associates, has been part of AHAI’s leadership for more than 20 years. This past summer, Weinberg was recognized by AHAI for his decades of contributions to the local game. Weinberg and Larry Beller received the AHAI Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other award winners, announced this past June:

AHAI Service Awards: Jim D’Anza, David Altholz and Jana Krausfeldt
AHAI Volunteer of the Year Awards: Ruban Medina (NIHL), Karen Quick (Decatur), Jen Graham (NWHL) and Todd Sivers (West Dundee Leafs)
AHAI Girls Award: Chicago Mission Girls
USA Hockey New Leader: Jordan Tuminaro

Weinberg was the first coordinator of the “One Goal” equipment program and has been involved in various other capacities as needed.

“I have coached at all ages in tier II and tier III, high school and ACHA college club,” Weinberg said. “While I enjoyed each of the ages and levels for the different challenges, high school is my favorite. I coached high school soccer for 20 years between my time at New Trier and Loyola and I continue to stay involved with the soccer program at the University of Denver where I played.

“I started refereeing soccer at age 14 and continued for many years. I began to referee hockey when I saw the need as a coach in the early years and have continued to this day. I have done most of the age levels, including adult. I never (officiated) tier I and today they are too fast for me. My continued involvement in officiating has been gratifying and gives me a unique insight as chairman of suspension and review.”

Weinberg has, for years, had a deep commitment to volunteer leadership, policy development, and the growth of hockey programs in Illinois. His work has helped shape the structure and success of Illinois youth hockey, benefiting players, coaches and families for years.

“Jack Weinberg is one of AHAI’s secret weapons. He has a perfect balance of knowledge, patience, understanding, and knows how to apply them in many difficult situations. He is a calm, steady voice when needed,” said John Dunne, AHAI Executive Director. “Larry Beller has helped guide NIHL for many years. His influence and steady financial oversight helped NIHL manage a successful league. Larry has also contributed countless hours of volunteer coaching at many different levels.”