Whether you know about JET Hockey Training Arena or are learning about it for the first time, and you have a child in hockey, you may want to pause from reading this feature to first sign up for one of the space-limited programs available, and then head back to this interview. Because once the word gets out about this North Shore hockey gem and the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup champion who owns it, all bets are off. Go ahead, we’ll wait…
“If you’re Canadian, you play hockey! Growing up, hockey was my life,” Ben Eager explains. The Canadian-born, now Highland Park father of girls is now a retired professional hockey player. With a resume that takes his journey from lessons starting at the age of five, the Ontario Hockey League at 16, the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and then the Chicago Blackhawks with a 2010 Stanley Cup championship, it’s safe to say letting go of this forever passion was not in the cards. Now the owner of the newly renovated private hockey training facility in Glenview called JET Hockey Training Arena, Chicago North Shore Moms spoke with both Ben and his lovely and adorable wife, Lexie Harris, about everything! Get to know Ben and Lexie, how they met and when they were married, favorite North Shore stomping stops, Ben’s time growing up in hockey-obssessed Canada, his journey from the minors to the NHL and the ring! Learn more about the amazing on and off ice programs offered at Jet including a brand new 3:3 league starting this June (2024), birthday parties, 1:1 training with Ben and how small businesses in the area can partner with Jet. Welcome, Ben and Lexie!
Hi Lexie and Ben! Please introduce yourselves, where are both from, where do you live now?
Hi! We are Lexie Harris and Ben Eager. Ben was born in Ottawa, Ontario Canada and moved to the states in 2003. He lived and played hockey in a few different cities before landing in Highland Park in 2021. I was born and raised in Highland Park, also moving around to different cities before moving with Ben back home to Highland Park to raise our three daughters.
Tell us about your wonderful children, feel free to brag!
We have three beautiful daughters who each bring something unique to our family. All three are very maternal and love to take care of eachother. Our oldest is 10 years old and is the leader of the pack! She’s a natural athlete and very self motivated (much like her dad). She has a heart of gold and her two younger sisters look up to her and love every second they spend with her. Our middle is 4 1/2 and loves to stay busy and involved. She loves school, swimming, Mathmates, yoga with Miss Robin, Shine on Sports with Coach Nate, and art with Miss Sheri. She’s our social butterfly. Our youngest is 2.5 and is our little spitfire. She loves school, and tries very hard to keep up with her big sisters. She is full of love and energy and keeps us on our toes. Our house is loud, chaotic, and the female energy runs strong. Ben is a good sport and is the apple of everyone’s eyes.
How and when did you two meet?
We met in 2016, got engaged a few years later, and waited until after our children were born to get married. We just got married in December!
What journey took you to the North Shore?
After our youngest was born it was clear we needed to be closer to the rink (Jet hockey), as the commute was getting tiresome. We also really wanted to live in a close knit community near our family and friends. Highland Park fit the bill as Lexie’s sister, parents, and childhood best friends live there too!
What do you do together for fun?
Most of our fun these days revolve around family activities. When the weather is nice you can find us biking around the north shore with our kids in tow. We love Rosewood beach, Duke park, sunset park, really any park, riding to get coffee and treats at Hometown and That Little French Guy ice cream at DQ and, of course, the wonderful kids classes and smoothie bowls at Bright Bowls. As the kids are getting older we’ve enjoyed going to the Blackhawks games as a family. For nights out just the two of us our go tos are Deer Path Inn and Sophia Steak. But most of the time you can find us at home and asleep early!
Ok, Ben, let’s address “the elephant in the room.” We want to know everything about your time as a Chicago Blackhawk! What years were you on the team, what position did you play and let’s see that Stanley Cup ring! What was it like as a Blackhawk?
Haha! I was on the Blackhawks from 2007-2010, and played left wing. When I got traded from the Flyers in 2007, I didn’t know much about Chicago, and how special of a place it would be for me. The Blackhawks were on the verge of a major turnaround. Rocky Wirtz took over as owner, Kane and Toews were young stars, free agent signings (Brian Cambell and Marian Hossa), Joel took over as head coach and big things were about to happen. After losing to the red wings in the conference finals in 2009 we went on to win the stanley cup in 2010 and end a 49 year championship drought!
My greatest memories as a blackhawk will always be the rivalry we had with the vancouver canucks, how loud the madhouse got during our playoff runs, and of course the stanley cup parade.
What was your relationship to hockey like growing up?
If you’re Canadian, you play hockey! Growing up, hockey was my life. During the hockey season I was at practice or at the outdoor rink in Ottawa. During the summer, the hockey equipment went away and the lacrosse equipment and golf clubs came out. I started playing at 5 years old in Ottawa, and went through the minor hockey ranks, before moving to play junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League at 16. After 4 seasons in the OHL, I was drafted in the first round, by the Phoenix coyotes. I was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Flyers where I began my professional career.
Ben’s game winning goal celebration with Toews in the cup finals. Copyright Getty Images, Bruce Bennett courtesy of Ben Eager.
And after retiring from the Blackhawks, you opened JET Hockey Training Arena in Glenview, around seven years ago. My son has been attending hockey shooting clinics with you and he not only enjoys it but has improved a lot! Tell us about this training facility and everything that you offer, from on and off ice training to 1:1 lessons, clinics, birthday parties and everything in between.
It’s been a pleasure working with your son at Jet! Jet is a Hockey Training Facility with a 95×60 ice rink and a 3,000 square foot hockey specific gym. We offer private and group training, hockey clinics, Adult skates, Learn to Play programs, birthday parties, and private ice rentals. We are also proud partners with many of the minor hockey organizations on the North Shore.
Who do you train at JET?
How has programming changed in the last few years at JET?
Over the past few years we’ve completely renovated the place, replacing the old ice rink with a brand new ice rink and off ice gym. We have been able to offer more in programming for all levels of play, from beginner to adult hockey, in our new facility.
Do your kids want to play hockey?
I think we missed the boat with our oldest, but she enjoys skating with her friends at the rink. Our 4 year old participated in The Little Blackhawks Learn to Skate at JET over the winter, and had fun, but not sure there’s a future in hockey for her. Our littlest one is bruiser, so there may still be a chance for one Eager girl to play hockey!
Lexie, you help run JET as well. What are your roles there?
Now that our children are in school, I have become more involved in JET’s programming and day to day business. I am currently looking for businesses interested in partnering with Jet, to advertise at the rink. It is a great opportunity to showcase your business while also supporting youth hockey and organized sports in the community. I also help book birthday parties and private events! It’s been fun working alongside Ben, and I look forward to doing more at Jet to help it grow!
Do you all have any clinics coming up this summer that our readers should know about?
Yes! We are very excited to have our first ever 3 on 3 league starting in June! We will also have our Learn to Play Program starting again in June. We will be offering clinics throughout the summer so please sign up for our weekly emails to stay up to date. www.jethockeyarena.com.
Last but not least, give us your contact dets. See you on the ice!
