Vikings Youth Hockey Club

Kolarik to take Vikings 08s to the Next Level

The Orland Park Vikings are proud to announce Chad Kolarik as the clubs 2008 Head Coach for the upcoming season. Chad served as an Assistant Coach last season as well as being a supportive skills instructor to Hockey Director Nick Pollos on various teams including the 08 PW AA and 05 U15 CSDHL Teams. Chad is one year removed from his professional hockey career which includes being a member of the 2018 United States Olympic Hockey Team. Chad started his hockey career as a member of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in 2002 as a member of the Under 18 Team. Chad earned a scholarship to play at the University of Michigan and was drafted in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. After his senior season at Michigan, Chad signed an NHL Entry Level Contract with Phoenix. Later Chad went on to play six games in the NHL with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Majority of Chad's career was spent in the AHL and playing in Europe. While in Europe Chad played in the KHL, Swedish Hockey League and others.

Chad brings a wealth of knowledge to the 2008 age level. As a pro player starting in 2007, Chad has been exposed to some great modern coaching styles, skill and puck management being a big part of the game today, Chad brings exactly that to Vikings 08s from his days as a player and his coaching philosophy. Chad will continue to work with our entire club as a supportive Assistant Coach along with leading the Jr Vikes Mite 1 Team. "Watching Chad evolve as a player and now a Head Coach has been exciting," says Hockey Director Nick Pollos. "Having coached against him as a player with the USNTDP, and now having him as a member of our Head Coaching staff is like watching everything come full circle. Chad has quickly become an integral part of what we are doing here at the Vikings." The Vikings are so pleased to have Chad take on an expanded role within the club. 

The Vikings will be announcing other Head Coaches later in the Spring

Its Great to be a Viking!

Hey Vikings Fans, looking for all the details including how to watch the Vikings U18 CS Team on TV at Nationals this week? Games begin on Thursday. Follow the link here to have access to all the information for the 2021 USA Hockey National Championships...

https://nationals.usahockey.com/

Click the link for HOCKEY TV to watch all the action from Green Bay, WI and cheer on your Vikings U18s.

GAME 1 FINAL - VIKINGS 4 GENESIS HOCKEY CLUB (PA) 1

GAME 2 FINAL - VIKINGS 2 McKINNEY (TX) 0

GAME 3 FINAL - VIKINGS 5 CONNECTICUT 1

QUARTER FINALS - VIKINGS 4 MONTGOMERY (MD) 2

SEMI FINALS - VIKINGS 0 GREEN BAY 1

GOOD LUCK BOYS! BRING IT HOME

The Orland Park Vikings 2021 Spring Development Program is set to begin on Monday April 5th at Arctic Ice Arena. Similar to years past, entering its 10th year, there will be a balance of Skills and Drills, Power Skates, Small Area Games and 3 on 3 Games. The program will run to the end of June with both Full Program and Flex 12 payment options. Special Goalie Instruction, Tournaments, and Special Guest Instructors all compliment our program. All information including schedule, registration, outline and fees are posted above. In 2019 several levels sold out so take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and register for the Full Program by March 15th. The Early Bird Discount applies to Full Program Skaters only. Please contact Vikings Hockey Director Nick Pollos with any questions at vikingshockeyhd@gmail.com

ALL SPOTS SOLD OUT

FULL PROGRAM SPOTS REMAINING (Birth Year)

U8 (15-13s) Mites - SOLD OUT

U10 (12-11s) SQ - SOLD OUT

U12 (10-09s) PW - SOLD OUT

U14 (08-07s) Bantam - SOLD OUT

Midgets (06-03s)- 12 Spots Added, we have added a second sheet of ice each night all spring. Both slots start at 750pm beginning 4/13

Flex 12 - SOLD OUT

How about this kid

Hockey players and parents from all clubs in all states. If we ever needed something to get us refocused especially during these absolutely crazy times in our nation, this is it. This is the Final Update on the long journey of Payton Bruns. Many have followed his path from injury to recovery to therapy and now to whats next in his life. Payton wrote this himself, not bad for a young man who has been through so much. It really shows whats inside his heart. With all the negative in the world today, I hope this inspires you to do something nice today, or tomorrow or everyday.

Payton Bruns Update
6/16/2020 at 3:00pm

I would like to again thank everyone for everything they did for me and my family through these tough times. Everyone has given us the best support possible through my injury and I can’t thank you enough for that.

Over the past few months I’ve been attending therapy 3 days a week, and it’s a lot less intense than before! I will be beginning OT again in the next few weeks for some minor twitching in my right hand, but everything else is moving really well! I’m still working my way back into my normal life with college beginning in just a few months. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater! I will be receiving a Biology degree then returning to med school to pursue a career in physical therapy.

I still love seeing kids of all ages on the ice. Yes, I am upset with no longer being able to play college hockey, but everyone’s life has some challenges that come head on. I hope everyone takes their’s in a positive way and come out stronger than before. You’re always stronger than you believe you really are. Your heart and desire will carry you farther than anything else. And no matter what happens, when a challenge leaves you stuck, you have your family and friends there for support. Never take anything for granted and always push to defy the odds! These are some things I’ve learned through this process.

For anyone playing the game they love: You never want to look back at what could’ve been, so find the good in every day and take any chance you get to pursue your dream. Set goals and put your heart into it, and don’t give up until those goals and dreams become a reality. You never know how soon it can be over until it really is. Continue to put in as much work as you can to be the best version of you, and never take anything you have for granted. Always push yourself to be your best no matter what. Work hard and never give up on yourself! You picked this game for a reason, now go show the world why you’re playing.

For parents who watch the kids play the game they love: Enjoy it while it lasts. You never want to see your kid down or off about anything. Do whatever you can to support your child and make sure they enjoy what they’re doing! Push your child to be the best they can be, on and off the ice. But don’t yell at them for an off day or a bad game. They’re human and make mistakes. Mistakes will only teach them to work harder at what they do, so they don’t make that mistake again. And lastly, enjoy the family time! I’d give anything to spend another weekend with my parents in the car or hotel at a tournament, creating memories we will cherish forever. Create happy memories with your child, and enjoy the game.

Nothing is impossible, everything has odds whether they’re big or small, and everything is achievable. When given the worst situation, always give your best shot to achieve success. Thank you for everything,
Payton Bruns

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If you have interest in the club or would like more information about the Vikings Youth Hockey Organization, please email the hockey director, Nick Pollos at vikingshockeyhd@gmail.com.