Season of Success: BG/H/W Forward Cam Christopher Named Combined Division Player of the Year

By Ross Forman
Cam Christopher ended his senior season for BG/H/W in pure jubilation: he skated off the ice at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont as the MVP of the Illinois High School Hockey Combined Division State Championship Game as the Stampede silenced co-op Maine Township 5-2 to avenge the team’s 2025 overtime loss in the championship game.

Christopher and his 2025 teammates were in tears. There was nothing but smiles this year.

“There was too much joy going through our locker room; I couldn’t even take a moment to think about everything that we just accomplished,” he said.

And what a year it was for the 18-year-old forward who had the game-winning goal and an assist on the biggest stage of the season: the state championship game, held in front of about 6,000 fans.

In 22 IHSHL North-Central regular season games, he led the league in goals (22), assists (22), points (44) and game-winning goals (6). Overall, he amassed 54 goals and 51 assists in 64 games, plus 11 game-winning goals and 3 hat tricks.

Christopher was named the AHAI Combined Division Player of the Year.

“It was easy to see why he was the Player of the Year,” said New Trier White head coach Jeremy Ellis, who was part of the television broadcast team for the BG/H/W-Maine title game. “Not only does he pose a threat, but he elevates the play of his teammates on the ice.

“He had a nose for the puck and was always moving, putting himself in great spots. I was really impressed with his anticipation and that he played aggressively on both ends of the ice. To have a guy willing to go that hard in both zones for the biggest game of the year showed how much he wanted to bring home the title.”

Added Luke Jorden, a former local high school player who now is part of many local broadcasts, particularly for the Scholastic Hockey League: “I was first impressed by his class he displayed throughout the season, especially in the post state game (press conference).”

Christopher, who lives in Prospect Heights and attends Hersey High School, spent two seasons skating for the Stampede. He is a right-handed shooting right wing who often skated with junior left wing Ryan Costanza (Hersey) and seniors Jackson Ronkoske (Buffalo Grove) or Aiden Gogerty (Hersey).

“It is an awesome accomplishment that I am so thankful to receive,” Christopher said of the Player of the Year award. “Without the help of my family, teammates and coaches I would never be close to receiving this award and I truly dedicate this award to not only me, but all those surrounding me.

“The award means the world to me. Hockey has been my whole childhood and as a player who was never the superstar growing up, it shows you can really change the player and person you are if you work hard enough.

“I am very thankful to have been chosen to receive this award with players like Ethan Newburg and Michael Chenier in (contention from the Warriors Hockey Club, among others). It could have gone to them, but I am happy to receive it and be named the top combined division player in the state of Illinois.”

Teammate Ryan Antonucci said what stood out most about Christopher was, despite his on-ice accolades and honors, “he stayed grounded, putting the team first and owing all his successes to the guys around him.

“He was a devoted leader. We are fortunate to have a guy like that.”

Foes are glad he’s gone since they know, and see, how skilled he is.

“He has very good vision and was always a threat because he never stopped moving,” said Maine head coach Greg Mrofcza. “Every once in a while, you see a player who might have a move not work, or they turn the puck over but because they are so quick and always moving, they get the puck right back before most people notice. Cam is one of those players who, even when you think you have him covered or he’s turned it over, he’s got the puck right back or he’s forced you to make a mistake.

“He’s just a very dangerous player at the high school level. I wish him well next season and I’m glad we won’t have to worry about defending him.”

Christopher was a two-time all-state player, where he treasured playing with (as a junior) and against (as a senior) one of his childhood best friends: Glenbrook South standout forward Blake Hoffer. Christopher was the MVP of the 2026 all-state game, finishing with 2 goals and 2 assists.

The annual AHAI All-State Game, Christopher said, “is a really cool experience to play with some of your friends and the best players in the state.”

In the state final, Christopher netted a backhanded rebound goal with 1:30 remaining in the second period, which proved to be the game-winner as the Stampede went ahead 3-0 at the time – and Christopher went into full celly mode.

“High school players dominate by being explosive, and Cam had that quick stride and thinking to not only score but be a pass-first guy at times and set up his teammates,” Jorden said.

Added Bob Wagner, a member of the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame and former head coach for the Stampede: “Even with all his talent and accolades, Cam is a great captain and an unselfish teammate every day, every game.”

Christopher said winning state, naturally, was the one moment from this season he will long remember – but not the main one. “I’ll remember the bond I created with my teammates who eventually became my brothers,” he said. “This team will forever be close and I am so blessed to be a part of a group so tightly knit.

“After the devastating (state championship) loss last year, I knew this team would be motivated all season. It was never a doubt in my mind that this is where we would end up. I want to thank the seniors (last season) who did not get to win (the state championship); they pushed us to be better players and played a big role in this win.”

Slapshots With … BG/H/W Forward Cam Christopher

One Moment: “My favorite personal moment was scoring the overtime winning goal against our rival, PREP.  It was a super packed (arena) and the feeling was unreal. Also, we just love beating them.”
Career Goals: Play ACHA hockey and pursue a business degree
College Plans: Still undecided, though he wants to study business
Little-known Fact: “I also played on the Chicago Bulldogs this year for coach Russ Naumenko, who made me a much smarter hockey player.”
If You Could Get One Autograph, Who Would It Be From: George Pickens
(Complete the sentence): My slapshot is … “barely used in games.” 
(Complete the Sentence): My first-ever hockey game was … “when I was 3 years old for the Glenview Generals.”
One Teammate Who Helped Me More Than He May Know: Jackson Ronkoske. – “The bond (we) have had over the past four years is truly unbreakable and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with any other person.”
Brotherly Love: “One person who has truly helped me get to this point in my career is my brother, Kellen Christopher. Growing up, he was always pushing me to be a better hockey player and never eased up on me. A lot of my success is credit to him. He used to play for the Chicago Young Americans AAA team in 2021.”
Who Do You Model Your Game After: Cole Caufield
One Thing I Love About Hockey: “The adrenaline rush you get when skating out to a packed barn is unlike anything else.”
One Thing I Do Not Like About Hockey: “Washing my gear every day.”
Coaching Hockey: “It would be awesome to coach any level of hockey when I am older, along with having a day job. I want to be around the game for as long as I can.”