On Thursday afternoon, Chicago Wolves left wing Terry Broadhurst will visit Chicago Ridge Public Library to conduct a Read to Succeed presentation for young students and their parents.
While it might sound like just another community event arranged by the organization, it’s actually a second-generation occasion that reflects the Wolves’ long-running commitment to local communities and local players.
Way back in the 1999-2000 season, when the Wolves were on the way to their second Turner Cup championship in three years, the roster included Palatine native Sean Berens. When he made a Read to Succeed appearance, an 11-year-old Terry Broadhurst was in the audience.
“I played for Sean’s dad (Ray) at the time,” Broadhurst said. “My brother, Alex, and I went to one of Sean’s Read to Succeeds and I remember what a big impression that made on me – being able to talk with a pro hockey player. I always try to remember that when I’m dealing with kids and I try to be on their level and have fun with them.”
Broadhurst, 26, became the latest Chicago-area player to don the Wolves jersey when he signed during the offseason. He grew up in the south suburbs and owns a home with his brother in Orland Park.
He joined the Wolves after spending two-plus seasons with the Rockford IceHogs, where he posted 21 goals and 38 assists in 112 games. Broadhurst was part of the Wolves brass’ desire to upgrade the team’s speed and skill.
“We were talking with a few teams and this just seemed like a good fit,” Broadhurst said. “The biggest thing for me was just the culture and the winning atmosphere. I want to be a part of something like that. The American League can be tough because it’s a developmental league sometimes. Here, winning’s first and foremost. And that’s why we play the game, right? We all love the game, but we want to win. We want to be successful.”
Broadhurst has lived up to his end of the bargain with 4 goals and 9 assists in 30 games. He has played on every line and in every situation. He also has played in front of every combination of family and friends.
“My parents have been coming out to quite a few games,” he said. “The biggest thing is my extended family has been coming out more. They’re a lot closer. Friends. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Rockford was close, but the closest I was before that was maybe seven hours (in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Omaha, Neb.).
“And when my brother was in the lineup for Rockford (on Nov. 23 at Allstate Arena), it was even better that they got to see both of us. It definitely is a plus when you get to play close to home and in front of family.”
