John Eichelberger Is Back Around The Local Game, Coaching His Son At The Chicago Reapers

By Ross Forman

Bobby Eichelberger, a left-handed shooting left wing for the Chicago Reapers Peewee Major U12 Team, enjoys spending time with his dad at the rink and acknowledges that the elder Eichelberger “always gives me good tips.”

Not surprisingly. Bobby is the son of local legend John Eichelberger – or Johnny to those who remember this fellow left-handed shooting forward who played for Winnetka, Wilmette, Northbrook, Chicago Young American and New Trier Green. He then played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin and had a brief minor league hockey career.

Now 45, living in Wilmette and a vice-president at J.P. Morgan, John Eichelberger also is an assistant coach for Bobby’s Reapers team.

“He skates with me every Tuesday morning and teaches me how to be a good teammate,” Bobby said.

John Eichelberger played his freshman and sophomore seasons for the Trevians, then went to Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating in 1999.

He graduated from Wisconsin in 2004 and has been coaching for six years.

“I love being around the game every day and seeing the kids develop their skills while also having fun,” said Eichelberger, who noted that playing at the United Center for the state championship was his favorite high school hockey memory.

“It’s been a great experience to be part of Bobby’s development, watching him grow to love the game that I love. It was such a huge part of my life, so it’s fun to be back and see it from a different point of view.”

John’s playing career also included representing the U.S. in U17 and U18 international tournaments.

“I learned a lot from Mark Johnson at Wisconsin and Mark Osiecki in Green Bay – both were great coaches on the ice and even better people off the ice,” Eichelberger said. “(Longtime local coach) DJ LaVarre was also one of my favorite (former coaches). He coached me as a mite, and I actually (was) his assistant coach when Bobby was a mite at Wilmette.”

Now 12, Bobby Eichelberger is in sixth grade at Highcrest Middle School.

“We’re a close team; everyone gets along. We’re a hard-working team,” Eichelberger said. “We skate well and move the puck.”

Eichelberger said a fond hockey memory has been winning championships – and he still recalls skating in his neighbor’s backyard rink, a favorite early hockey memory.

Slapshots With … Chicago Reapers Forward Bobby Eichelberger

Bobby on Bobby: “I’m a good skater; I like to score goals and move the puck.”
Personal Goals: “Win the state championship this season.”
Off The Ice: Enjoys golfing, riding his bicycle and hanging out with friends
More Sports: Plays baseball, flag football, basketball, lacrosse and golfing
Superstitions on the Ice: “I always put my left shin pad on first, and my right skate.”
Long-term Career Goals: “I want to play hockey in college and hopefully the NHL. I also want to be an engineer.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Cole Caufield
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Stick
Motivational Song: Power by Kanye West
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Breakfast burrito
Favorite app: Instagram
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Connor McDavid