Ronan Freeman, a junior at Highland Park High School who skates for Team Illinois U18, is a two-way forward who creates plays in the offensive zone and is relied on late in the game, in the defensive end, to help shut down opposing teams.

The 17-year-old, right-handed-shooting Freeman splits time between center and right wing in jersey No. 29 – the same number worn years ago by his dad, who now serves as the TI club president, hockey director and assistant coach for the U18s.

“My dad has helped me become a better player on the ice and a better person off the ice,” Ronan said. “It’s awesome (having my dad as my coach); we’ve created a special bond and we’re creating memories almost every day at the rink.”

Sean Freeman spent five years playing for Team Illinois and Chicago Young Americans before moving to junior hockey in the USHL, playing for both the Sioux City Musketeers and Wisconsin Capitals. He played in the NAHL for Springfield Jr. Blues and the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings. He then spent four years playing for Lake Forest College, where he was a captain and team leader in scoring all four years while amassing nearly one point per game in more than 100 games played.

Sean played professionally in the ECHL, UHL, WPHL and CHL.

Freeman’s coaching career has included time with the Chicago Young Americans, Windy City Storm, Chicago Bulldogs and Highland Park Falcons. In addition, Sean spent 18 seasons as hockey director and varsity head coach at Highland Park High School Hockey.

Ronan’s career has included time skating for the Falcons, Bulldogs and CYA.

He is assistant captain this season, which he tagged as “a huge honor.”

“I lead by example and how I’m always there if anyone need to be checked on or focused in,” said Freeman, who tallied the shootout-winning goal last year in the U16 championship game of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF), a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier 1 league.

His goal for this season is simple: to win the state championship.

Then next summer, Freeman takes his game to the international front, when he skates in the Maccabiah Games, the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition and the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics.

“It’s a huge honor to be selected to the Maccabiah Games; I am proud to represent my country, religion and to explore different places in Israel,” Freeman said. “I also am excited to play in the same tournament that my dad did when he was my age.”

Freeman has shined off the ice, too. He has been on the honor roll every year in high school and, in fifth-grade, was given the Key To The City of Highland Park from its mayor.

“My school nominated me and I got chosen by the mayor and city council – for being an example for what it means to be a great person of Highland Park and someone who you can be count on for anything,” Freeman said.

SLAPSHOTS WITH … U18 Team Illinois Forward Ronan Freeman

Time Management: “I use school time wisely.”

Studying Story: “A flight got delayed for five hours when I was in Dallas, so I had to study while sitting on the ground (at the airport) charging my computer.”

Off The Ice: Plays sports with friends and enjoys golfing

Hobbies: Watching sports, hanging with friends and family.

College Plans: “Go somewhere I’m able to play hockey and somewhere that has good academics.”

Long-term Goal: “To be a professional hockey player.”

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane

Favorite Sports-themed Movie: “All the Rocky and Creed movies.”

Favorite TV Show: Outer Banks

Favorite Pre-game Meal: Grilled chicken and pasta

Favorite app: Tik Tok

Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Michael Jordan

Best Hockey Tip: “Shoot over the glove; goalie never save it.” – Sean Freeman

Best High School Uniform: Highland Park’s Thanksgiving jerseys