Head Coach Adam Zakroczymski

Coach Zakroczymski has over 11 years of coaching experience and played for the Zion Atoms years ago, followed by Carmel High School, Highland Park Falcons and Glenview Stars. After that, he was essentially a first round draft pick to the beer leagues. 

Level Certified: 4

CAS Modules: BA14, MD18, PW12, SQ10

"There's nothing more rewarding than being a coach. Being able to watch the kids learn and progress is awesome. Celebrating the wins and guiding them through the losses helps teach life lessons for kids and adults alike."

"No matter how good you are, there's always room for growth. I am constantly looking at drills and systems to try to implement with a team. I also think I'm great with "skills and drills" that translate to real-game scenarios. As a coach, I feel I also learn a lot from the kids. What works, what doesn't, what can we do better and how can we improve overall.

I always set out to marry having fun with hard work. Again, using drills to build skills can only benefit the players in games. Having a vision of the whole ice is also important. Sometimes when we're running a skating drill, it may seem painful, but there is a reason for it. I want to make sure the kids have the endurance to get through three periods of hockey. That can be the difference between winning and losing. At the end of the day, not only do I strive for the kids to become better players, but I also hope they become better people as they grow up."

"I've been around hockey for 30 years as a player, fan, coach and parent. I have a deep-rooted passion for the game and bringing teams together. I've had the honor to work alongside some great mentors like Bob Lietza and Jason Agostinho. I began coaching our oldest son Aydin when he was 7. We were invited to the organization by a mutual friend. I started as a goalie coach and have bounced back and forth as an assistant and head coach over time. Being on the ice with the kids is one of my favorite places to be!"

"I think one of the best compliments a coach can receive is when a parent tells you their child is having fun. Or "Andy has gotten so much better in these last couple months." One of my biggest honors was when a U18 player I used to coach named me as his "Most Influential Coach." That actually had me in tears. Thanks Dom!"

"You go till you can't go no more" Shoresy