Five Things to Know About Coach Scott
Bonus: An Open Book
Scott jokes that he’s “pretty much an open book,” but there are a few fun facts worth knowing. He’s a self-proclaimed pushover when it comes to his grandkids, and despite being a lifelong hockey guy, he’s not above watching a love story movie with his wife. It’s that balance—discipline and toughness on the ice, warmth and humility off it—that makes him such a respected leader in the Ice Dogs program and Illinois hockey community.
At Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills, hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a community. Few people embody that spirit better than Coach Bobby Scott, Assistant Director of Hockey for the Chicago Ice Dogs and longtime mentor to players, parents, and coaches alike. With deep roots in Illinois hockey, decades of coaching experience, and a true passion for developing young athletes, Coach Scott has become a cornerstone of the Ice Dogs program. Here are five things to know about him.
1. He’s Spent a Lifetime in the Game
Coach Scott grew up in Buffalo Grove, IL and fell in love with hockey at just 10 years old. Inspired by Chicago legends Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito, he began his playing days with the Rolling Meadows Warriors (later the Northwest Chargers) before moving on to the Glenview Stars. His high school career took place at Buffalo Grove High School, followed by junior hockey with the Chicago Minor Hawks and the Waterloo Blackhawks, where he played both offense and defense. From there, he advanced to Division I hockey at the University of Illinois–Chicago (UIC). Hockey has always been in his blood—so much that even after his playing career, he spent seven years as an official before turning his focus fully to coaching.
2. He Believes That Family and Hockey Go Hand in Hand
Hockey isn’t just Scott’s passion—it’s a family tradition. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 41 years, and hockey has always been part of their journey together (he even played alongside her brother at UIC). Their son, Christopher—known in the hockey world as ‘Topher’—played Division I hockey at Cornell University and went on to found The Hockey Think Tank, a platform dedicated to educating players, coaches, and parents about the game. Their daughter, Jessi, is raising four boys who are definitely showing some aspirations in the hockey world. Meanwhile their twin sons Max and Jake continue the hockey legacy by coaching within the Ice Dogs program, making hockey truly a multi-generational family calling.
3. He Has Decades of Coaching Experience
Scott’s coaching career started early—at just 16, he was already working as a camp counselor at the Buffalo Grove Park District. From there, he went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Chicago Young Americans AAA program, spent time coaching at the Falcons, and later led JV and varsity teams at Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School. Since 2007, he has called Glacier Ice Arena home, primarily coaching the Peewee AA level. Scott especially loves working with players ages 11–12 because they are at the perfect stage: old enough to grasp the game’s strategy, yet still eager to learn and grow. In his current role as assistant hockey director, he not only mentors players, but also hires, trains, and supports Ice Dogs coaches, ensuring that the entire organization delivers a positive and consistent hockey experience.
4. He Believes That Hockey Builds More Than Players
For Coach Scott, hockey is more than a sport—it’s one of the best vehicles for teaching life skills. “Hockey is a great life sport,” he said. “It teaches teamwork, how to get along with other people, and how to build relationships.” But Scott takes that a step further. The game challenges kids in unique ways: the fast pace demands quick decision-making, the physical grind builds resilience, and the team environment fosters accountability. Players learn how to overcome adversity, handle success with humility, and respect both teammates and opponents. Perhaps most importantly, hockey creates a second family—one where kids find mentors, lifelong friends, and lessons they carry far beyond the rink. For Scott, these life lessons are just as important as goals and assists.
5. The Ice Dogs and Glacier Are His Home
Today, in his role with the Ice Dogs, he has the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the program. His responsibilities include hiring coaches, organizing training opportunities, running the Ice Dogs in-house league, and providing support to volunteer coaches through a level-director system that ensures players at every stage are guided by knowledgeable leaders. At Glacier, he also helps plan summer camps and programs that keep players engaged year-round. After 15 years at Glacier, he considers the arena his second home and credits the Ice Dogs community with giving him so much in return.
As for the future, Scott is optimistic about the new chapter ahead with Spectate Group recently acquiring Glacier. He believes the investment will bring “new energy, new opportunities, and a fresh look” that will benefit both families and players for years to come. “Plus, I’ve seen first hand how they keep the Nicholas Sportsplex in pristine condition, so I know we’re in good hands.”