The Piano Man: Chicago Reapers Forward Joseph Tenjiku Brings The Sweet Sound On, Off The Ice
By Ross Forman
Joseph Tenjiku will have an interesting story to share with his teammates at the Chicago Reapers and this upcoming fall in sixth grade at Clarendon Hills Middle School when he’s bound to be asked, ‘What did you do over the summer?’
His answer: play piano at Carnegie Hall in New York City, which he is doing in August.
“My brother started (playing piano and) I was always there with his lessons, so, I followed him,” said Tenjiku, a pianist for eight years who enjoys “learning new songs, playing Christmas songs during the holiday season and making music with my brother.”
One musical memory includes a 2023 recital: “I played duo for the first time together with my best friend,” he said.
In mid-May, Tenjiku had a recital with fellow students in his piano class.
Tenjiku, 11, who lives in Hinsdale, was a fifth grader this spring at Monroe Elementary School. A forward, his hockey career also has included time skating for the Naperville Sabres and others, and he wears uniform No. 18.
Tenjiku has been awarded the “Most Improved Player” award and said a career highlight came in 2024 when he skated in the Brick International Tournament in Canada.
Tenjiku’s game is “flashy and fast, and controlled,” he said.
He scored a game-winning goal in the state playoffs, a personal highlight.
Another fond memory this past season was the Reapers’ trip to the Florida Alliance tournament, he said.
“I want to win every game and help my team win as much as I can,” said Tenjiku, who tallied a triple-overtime game-winning goal against the Chicago Fury in the state playoffs during the 2024-25 season, marking the Reapers first win over the Fury that season.
Slapshots With … Chicago Reapers Forward Joseph Tenjiku
Motivation: To play college or professional hockey
Goal for The Upcoming Season: “Get more physical.”
Other Sports: Plays baseball and golf
It Helps: “Working out and running, (going to) Lifetime (Fitness) with my mom.”
Superstitions on the Ice: “Switching sticks only in a shootout.”
The Quote: “I know my mom always wishes I can score, of course I am happy when I score a goal,
but what truly brings me joy is when I assist my teammates. Seeing them hug me and seeing how happy they are makes me feel particularly proud.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Connor Bedard
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle on Ice
Favorite TV Show: The Simpsons
Motivational Song: On Your Own by Lil Tecca
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Salmon sushi and protein bar
Favorite app: ESPN
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Adam Sandler