Elsie Calahan, a sophomore left wing for the co-op Glenbrook Girls, has great vision and instincts on the ice, which leads to her talented playmaking and puck movement.
She also knows how to find the back of the net. Case in point, in a 2022 tournament in Wisconsin, Calahan netted six goals in a game.
She credits her dad, Mark, for helping her become the player she is, in uniform No. 17.
“He’s the one who put me in skates and taught me how to be my own player. He always motivates me to push myself to the fullest,” said Calahan, who formerly skated for the Oak Park Ice Bears and Franklin Park Panthers. She is double rostered for the Chicago Bulldogs this season.
“Everyone on the (Glenbrook) team has such positivity. We’re a great group of girls and I think we’re all capable to try and win state this year, if not be right up there with other (top teams).”
This season, there are 12 teams in the Metro Girls league, including Barrington, Chicago Central, Evanston, Fenwick, Glenbrook, Grizzlies, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest High School, Loyola Academy, Maine Township, Naper Valley and New Trier.
The Grizzlies are the defending Founders Cup champion. Barrington defeated Chicago Central to claim the Scholastic Cup. Barrington also won the girls state championship.
Glenbrook is a box of players from Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South and Regina.
“Everyone (on Glenbrook) is more than capable and we all work great together. It’s only the beginning (of the season), but we’re already doing great.
“Personally, I want to gain more speed on the ice, so during free time, I focus on my endurance training.”
Calahan last skated on an all-girls team during the 2022-23 season, with the Franklin Park Panthers U14 team. She said the all-girls game is different from what she’s used to, even just a roster with multiple girls.
“Playing with boys and girls hasn’t just shaped my career in hockey, but my outlook in life,” she said. “The bonds and connections I’ve made with past teammates, I will forever cherish. As a player, it’s made me more of a team player and more open to learning different styles and views of the game.
“Boys can be a little rougher, but when you’re with each other all season, there’s respect for one another; it’s no different with girls. The boys who are opponents against co-ed teams try harder against the girls and hit harder, which makes you a tougher player.”
Slapshots With … Glenbrook Wing Elsie Calahan
Improving: “My dad holds hockey camps throughout the summer. We typically work out and play sports during the day and towards the end rent ice and have an hour-long scrimmage. During season before our practices my dad will have off-ice (training sessions) with our team, work on core strength, running and jumping. All of these contribute to endurance and stamina throughout games.”
Running: “Helps when skating.”
Hobbies: Playing softball and baseball
Did You Know: She played the flute for years and recorded songs with her dad’s band.
College Plans: “My goal is to play Division I girls’ hockey.”
Long-term Career Goal: Be an NHL broadcaster.
Favorite NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings
Favorite NHL Player: Pavel Datsyuk
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite Pre-game Meal: “I try not to eat before most games because my stomach starts to hurt. But I do love having a few sips of a Starbucks Açaí Refresher before a game.”
Favorite app: TikTok
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Connor Bedard – “He’s a great player and I love watching him.”
Best Hockey Tip: “Use the glass of the rink to get the puck out of our zone.” - Rob Newburg, her former coach at the Chicago Bulldogs.
Best High School Uniform: Notre Dame College Prep