Representing Illinois: Brody Bautista Will Play For Hockey Philippines In December Tournament

Representing Illinois: Brody Bautista Will Play For Hockey Philippines In December Tournament

By Ross Forman

Brody Bautista will, intentionally, wear uniform No. 98 for a few days starting in late-December when he skates for the Philippine Team in the Hong Kong U18 Invitational Tournament.

“I chose to wear No. 98 on my Philippines jersey because of Connor Bedard. Watching him play for the Chicago Blackhawks motivates me and when I go to the Philippines, I want to represent my hometown of Chicago while honoring my roots and culture,” he said.

Bautista, 17, who lives in Mundelein, is a senior at Mundelein High School and center for the co-op LZMW Yeti. A right-handed shooter who formerly skated for the Ice Dogs is now the Yeti captain and is one of two local athletes who will represent Hockey Philippines at the international tournament running December 27 – January 3. Also participating: Jayden De Leon (Glenbrook North).

“Being able to skate for Team Philippines lets me connect with my culture in a special way,” Bautista said. “I can represent where my family comes from and honor the culture that shaped me into who I am today. It’s special because I am representing my culture through a sport that many people don’t think of when they think of Filipinos.

“This tournament is something I’ll never forget. Being able to play for the Philippines and compete against teams from around the world makes me appreciate how far I’ve come and how special this opportunity is. It means a lot to represent the Philippines because it connects me to my family and my heritage. My grandparents and parents are proud of where they came from, and being able to wear the flag and colors for them is very special.”

Bautista landed on the Hockey Philippines radar after a national callout for youth Filipino hockey players. He submitted game film, statistics and more – and in mid-September he was invited to play for Hockey Philippines days after Christmas.

“Heading into the tournament, I’m honestly just excited. It’s an honor to represent the Philippines, but also, I’m just really excited to play at a higher level of hockey,” Bautista said. “I’m also really excited to play with a new team full of kids who are just like me.”

Bautista was the alternate captain for an Ice Dogs team and was the 2023 Rookie of the Year on the Yeti.

“I focus on keeping my play smooth and controlled – reading the ice, moving the puck quickly and staying creative,” said Bautista, a two-way player who is strong on offense and defense.

“I have high expectations for my team this season. Since we graduated 14 seniors last year, we are a very young team with a lot of talent. Every day we are working hard to fill those rolls and build our chemistry.”

The Yeti have started slow in the IHSHL North-Central Champions Division. They stand at 1-6-1 after falling 5-0 to the D155 Predators on October 18.

Slapshots With … LZMW Yeti Captain Brody Bautista

Long-term Goals: “I want to study mechanical engineering in college. The top college I want to attend is Purdue University.”

Hobbies: “In the summer, I like to golf, fish and play basketball. With the (free) time I have in the winter I like to go snowboarding.”