Myles Listick Continues Skating For Falcons, His Hockey Home Since Age 4

Myles Listick started playing hockey at age 4, in the Little Falcons program – and has since played mites, squirts and peewees for the Highland Park-based club.

He is a first-year Falcons bantam this season, bringing a fearless, competitive, gritty game.

Coaches have said Listick plays a 200-foot game and he always knows where his teammates are on the ice. He makes good passes and is attentive when being coached during the game.

“I watch a lot of hockey videos and NHL games, stay active by playing other sports, and go to the gym to stay in shape. I love playing sports—especially hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball and golf. I also like collecting hockey and baseball cards, collecting NHL and MLB jerseys, playing Xbox, and going on long bike rides,” said Listick, 13, who lives in Highland Park and is an eighth-grader at Edgewood Middle School.

A left-handed shooting left wing, Listick wears uniform No. 88 for the Falcons Bantam A3 CSDHL team.

His career highlight to date was scoring four goals in a tournament game in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a squirt.

Local coaches Joel Superfine and Kevin Delaney have been the biggest influences on his young career. “They’ve both taught me how to play smart, competitive hockey and to always believe in myself,” he said.

Especially when obstacles need to be overcome.

“I was born with progressive sensorineural hearing loss, along with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct, which can affect balance. I’ve worn hearing aids since I was six months old. Playing hockey with a hearing impairment has its challenges—like not being able to hear verbal cues and dealing with loud rinks—but I’ve learned how to adapt,” said Listick, who noted he has severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears, but is not fully deaf.

To that, Listick has had to rely more on visual cues, body language and overall awareness, he said. “It also affects how I communicate with teachers, coaches and refs—but we find ways to make it work.”

Listick has participated five summers in the AHIHA Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, which have “helped me build confidence and self-esteem and given me a strong sense of community,” he said. “The camps are full of great coaches and teammates who truly understand what it’s like to play hockey with a hearing difference.

“My hearing doesn’t define my ability to play. I’ve learned to use visual cues, body language and instinct. My coaches and teammates have helped by using hand signals and making sure I can see them when they talk. Camps like Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing have shown me that hearing-impaired athletes can succeed and even lead.”

To others facing obstacles, Listick said: “You can do anything you put your mind to. If you’re scared, turn that fear into motivation. Prove to yourself—and others—that you belong, just like anyone else.”

SLAPSHOTS WITH … Falcons bantam left wing Myles Listick

NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Sports Movie: 42: The Jackie Robinson Story
TV Show: Family Guy
Motivational Song: Chelsea Dagger
Pre-game Meal: Footlong from Subway
App: Roblox
Celebrity I'd Like to Meet: MrBeast
Memories: In October 2022, Listick and his Falcon teammates played a game against Lake Forest Winter Club at the United Center. “After the game, we were surprised in the locker room by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. We got autographs, took pictures and got to ask them questions.”
On The Ice: “I’m proud of my stickhandling, puck control and ability to spot offensive chances.”
This Season: “I’m excited to be a bantam, reunite with some of my old coaches and bond with both new and returning teammates.”
Long-Term Goals: “Play hockey in high school and college and make the USA Deaflympics Hockey Team when I’m 16.”