Team

Deb Kelper thought it would be fun to learn to play hockey so she could play pick-up games with her kids on the weekends. She was hooked after the first time on the ice. Deb has enjoyed her time as a Cougar, meeting new teammates and trying out new positions each year. She credits Coach Ralph’s support and enthusiasm for making us all better hockey players. She can’t wait for next season!

Shannon Sweetnam played hockey at The Winter Club before joining the Cougars in 2012. A former Highland Park Falcons hockey coach, she rides at Sapphire Riding Academy and plays polo with the Barrington Hills Polo Club. Shannon is president of The College Essay Rescue Company. She lives in Lake Forest with her husband and three sons.

Started playing goalie at 17 for the Kankakee Irish high school hockey team. After high school she continued to play goalie for the Bombshells, leading her team to an undefeated season in net. She looking forward to skating out for her first full season with the Cougars.

A sub that we hope to see more of this season.

Janet Deisenroth, who began playing hockey at age 45, believes It is never too late to start playing this awesome sport. Years of watching her daughter and son play inspired her to get off the sidelines.  She credits great coaches and teammates with helping her gain the skills and strategy she needs to play competitively. A self-proclaimed hockey addict, she hopes to play for many years to come.

Sarah Eberhard started playing hockey at age 40, inspired by her kids’ love for the game. Sarah, who lives in Chicago with her husband and two children (and a lot of stinky hockey gear), is the COO and general counsel for a mid-size consulting firm. She loves to spend what little free time is left with friends and family.

Debbie Flapan has been playing hockey since 2002, after her husband started playing goalie and she decided she wanted to play, too. She also enjoys running and the occasional 5K race, as well as reading, movies, and playing with her dogs. Debbie is news director for a medical information website for clinicians owned by WebMD. She grew up in Chicago and currently lives in Wilmette with her husband and son.

Jenny Grossman began playing hockey after college, and has been playing hockey on and off for the past 11 years. When not on the ice, she divides her time between her work as an attorney and wrangling her three young boys. She grew up in Skokie, and now lives there with her family.

Sasha Portnova joined the Cougars in the fall of 2016 with no previous hockey experience but some skating abilities from Mother Kazakhstan. In just one season, she developed a strong passion for both the sport and her team. Sasha, a mechanical engineering Ph.D. student at Northwestern University, hopes to use her engineering knowledge to help people with disabilities. Her hometown is in the center of Kazakhstan, where she lived until she came to the United States eight years ago.

Sasha has moved to Washington, so sad!!! But she is still a part of our team in our hearts.