Newsletter - November 2026
Geneva, IL | Fox Valley Ice Arena
Full Steam Ahead into November
As the temperatures (slowly) drop across the Fox Valley area, the energy inside the rink is visibly rising for this season. November marks an exciting transition for the Cyclones: seeding rounds have concluded, regular season league schedules are officially underway, and our teams are hitting their stride.
Whether you are heading out on the road for weekend games, gearing up for Thanksgiving (and tournaments), or supporting our newest skaters in the Prep program, thank you for making the Cyclones Hockey Program such a vibrant and supportive community every day.
Update from our Hockey Director, Frank Bisceglie
One moment we are enjoying summer-like weather, and the next, we find ourselves planning for the holidays! That shift is matched by the buzz of excitement that November brings to the ice. We are officially entering the heart of the season. The regular season has begun for all Cyclones teams, with some already hitting the road for Showcases and Tournaments, while others are focusing on early playoff positioning.
This enthusiasm is fantastic, but it's important to remember that all success is dependent on how we prepare. Our commitment to development on and off the ice remains the foundation of everything we do.
Off the Ice: Building Athletes
Our GVN strength and conditioning sessions have been incredibly productive. It’s been great to see our players learn about the crucial role physical fitness, proper training technique, and nutrition play in their development. Beyond the physical benefits, these sessions provide vital time for team bonding and comradery.
On the Ice: Seeing the Hard Work Pay Off
On the ice, the collective hard work is paying off. Structured team practices are focused on fine-tuning overall skills, implementing team systems, and raising our hockey IQ. It’s also great to report that our weekly Skills Sessions and Goalie Clinics are well attended—as they should be! These are essential multipliers for player development.
Looking Ahead
Our mission is clear: we are always looking to improve our program through better development, enhanced skills programming, and fine-tuning every aspect of our training.
Good Luck to everyone as we dive deeper into the season! Most importantly, please enjoy this time spent together at the rink with your children and your Cyclones family.
I look forward to seeing you all at the rink soon.
CYCLONES PREP | BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION
Cyclones Prep is off to an incredible start this season, with 30 full-time skaters already enrolled! That’s a significant milestone for the program, putting enrollment months ahead of where it stood at this point last year.
As fall sports wrap up, the program continues to grow, introducing young athletes to hockey while building the skills, confidence and friendships that make the game special.
DEVELOPMENT ON AND OFF THE ICE
Following USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM), Cyclones Prep emphasizes skill development through station-based drills, small-area games and age-appropriate competition.
Players are continuing to develop their skating, puck-handling and teamwork skills, while more young athletes are showing interest in stepping into the crease and trying the goalie position for the first time.
The program has also benefited from the involvement of older Cyclones players. Squirt and Pee Wee athletes have been helping mentor the younger skaters, providing encouragement and setting an example for the next generation.
FROM PRACTICE TO GAME DAY
Cyclones Prep players are getting a taste of real game-day excitement!
The program recently completed a home-and-away series against the St. Jude Knights, giving young skaters the opportunity to experience organized competition while putting their developing skills into action.
And there’s plenty more hockey ahead!
UPCOMING PREP EVENTS
November 14-15
Day of the Dead Jamboree
The Ice Box | Hammond, Indiana
November 20
Cyclones Prep vs. Romeoville Huskies
Fox Valley Ice Arena | Geneva, Illinois
November 28
Cyclones Prep vs. Romeoville Huskies
Canlan Sports | Romeoville, Illinois
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CYCLONES HOCKEY
With participation continuing to grow, Cyclones Prep is looking for additional qualified coaches to assist with Friday and Sunday sessions.
READY TO JOIN THE CYCLONES?
It’s not too late to get started!
Cyclones Prep welcomes young players looking to develop their skills and experience the game in a supportive, team-focused environment.
With rolling enrollment and free trial opportunities available, there’s no better time to get on the ice.
The next generation of Cyclones starts here!
Upcoming Events & Save the Dates
INTERNATIONAL SILVERSTICK IS COMING TO GENEVA
Thanksgiving weekend is bringing something special to Fox Valley Ice Arena!
For the first time, the Cyclones and Fox Valley Ice Arena will host an International Silver Stick Regional Tournament right here in Geneva from November 27-29, 2026.
International Silver Stick is one of youth hockey’s most recognized traditions, bringing teams together in the spirit of competition, citizenship and international goodwill.
Regional champions earn the opportunity to advance to the International Silver Stick Finals in January and compete against other qualifying teams for a Silver Stick championship.
Teams in Geneva will compete in a four-game-guarantee format, making for a full weekend of hockey at FVIA.
A Special Start for Every Team
Each participating team will be honored with an Opening Game Ceremony before its first game of the tournament.
The ceremony will feature a team highlight video, player introductions, a Silver Stick pin presentation and the National Anthem.
A Tradition Nearly 70 Years Strong
Now entering its 69th season, International Silver Stick has become a longstanding tradition in youth hockey across North America. With regional tournaments throughout the United States and Canada, the organization brings young athletes together through competition, sportsmanship and international goodwill.
Beyond the Rink: The Larry McGrath Memorial Scholarship
International Silver Stick’s commitment to young athletes extends beyond competition through the Larry McGrath Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1972, the program honors Larry McGrath’s legacy by recognizing deserving young hockey players and supporting their educational futures.
Learn more:
International Silver Stick FAQs:
https://silverstick.org/Pages/1002/Silver_Stick®_F_A_Q_s/
About Larry McGrath:
https://silverstick.org/Pages/1251/About_Larry_McGrath_/
Volunteers Needed!
We’re looking for Cyclones families to help make this special weekend a success! Parents interested in volunteering during the tournament can sign up using the link below.
Volunteer Sign-Up:
https://www.cycloneshockey.net/dashboard/volunteer
We are excited to welcome players, coaches and families to Geneva and even more excited for the Cyclones community to be part of this longstanding hockey tradition.
Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving weekend and come support the tournament!
November 27-29, 2026 | Fox Valley Ice Arena | Geneva, Illinois
Tournament Details:
https://www.cycloneshockey.net/events/international-silver-stick-geneva-regional/190576
CSDHL Game of the Week
11/7/2026 - Cyclones Squirt Prospect Red 1
Come out, bring the noise, and pack the stands to support the team! 🏒⚡
📅 Date: Saturday, November 7th
⏰ Time: 10:15 AM
🏒 Matchup: Prospect Squirt Red 1 vs. Winter Club
📍 Location: Lake Forest College
❄️ Cyclones Winterfest 2026
Get ready to celebrate the season with your Cyclones family! Winterfest is right around the corner. We are putting together a fantastic lineup of rink-wide activities, holiday cheer, team bonding events, and special raffles at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Stay tuned to your email and our social channels in the coming days for exact dates, schedule of events, and volunteer opportunities.
Cyclones Housekeeping & Reminders
Club Housekeeping & Reminders
- Holiday Apparel & Spirit Wear Orders: With the holidays approaching, keep an eye out for final order deadlines in the Cyclones Team Shop to guarantee delivery of custom gear and spirit wear in time for the holidays.
- Locker Room & SafeSport Policy: A gentle reminder that USA Hockey SafeSport policies require background-checked, SafeSport-certified locker room monitors present for all team activities. Cell phones and recording devices must remain put away inside locker rooms at all times.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Running a club of nearly 300 players takes a village. Thank you to all the families who have helped out so far, we appreciate your support. Volunteer opportunities will continue to be offered throughout the season as part of scheduled games and other events across the club. Keep an eye out!
See You at the Rink!
From early morning practice reps to exciting weekend league play, November is one of the best hockey months of the year. Let's keep supporting our players, respecting the officials, and cheering on every level of the Cyclones family.
Go Cyclones! 🏒