Tommy Esplin had a joint birthday party years ago with a middle school friend and they invited more than 100 friends. Instead of presents for the pair, they asked attendees to bring school supplies that would be donated to North Chicago Community Partners, the Lake Bluff-based charity that works to bridge the opportunity gap and support children in North Chicago by leveraging resources from within and around the neighborhood.
The party was a huge hit, and so too was the fundraising.
They loaded their SUV with school supplies and the vehicle was full.
“I still remember the day (we) dropped off all the school supplies (at the NCCP) office. They couldn’t believe how much we had collected just from our birthday party,” Esplin said.
The concept stuck. “Every party I had (after that), I asked for no gifts but for my friends to bring school supplies,” he said. “(My) family has been involved with NCCP for years and it is an organization that is right in our backyard. To think that a community with limited resources is so close to some of the wealthiest communities, it just made sense,” to support NCCP.
As Esplin got older, the birthday party buzz faded, but not his drive to help others. So, he turned to his Chicago Reapers’ teammates and the club overall. The Reapers helped Esplin continue the tradition of supporting NCCP with a school supplies drive – and next August he wants to expand the support.
“Helping North Chicago Community Partners just feels good. It’s cool to know I’m making a difference,” said Esplin, 17, who lives in Lake Forest, is a junior at Lake Forest High School and a forward for the U18 Reapers, his third season skating for the Tier 1 club. He formerly played for the Chicago Ice Dogs and Chicago Bulldogs – and has been a team captain.
“Having the right stuff can make a difference for (students) in school, and I love being able to help with that. It’s awesome (knowing that) something small, like getting them pens and notebooks, can make their school year a little easier.”
The left-handed shooting Esplin, who plays left wing and center, is a hard-working, two-way forward. He helped the Reapers defeat the Windy City Storm in the playoffs in 2023 and, earlier this month, Esplin and his crew defeated nationally ranked Culver Academy.
Esplin has 3 goals and 10 assists in his first 22 games this season. He had 7 goals and 10 assists in 39 games last season.
“Hockey is unlike any other sport,” Esplin said. “My hockey family means everything to me. We’re together pretty much seven days a week, at home or on the road. My coaches and teammates, we share way more than just ice … we are brothers. The bond is strong.”
Slapshots With … Chicago Reapers U18 Forward Tommy Esplin
Off The Ice: “I like to hang out with family and friends. I love working out and started plunging this year … Lake Michigan gets COLD! When not playing hockey, I love to golf.”
College Plans: “I am hoping to play at the next level for the most competitive team.”
One Thing About Me That Everyone Knows: “The Smile”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Connor Bedard
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chicken and rice
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Patrick Kane
Best Hockey Tip: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
Best High School Uniform: Lake Forest 2023 white alternate