CGHA's Andrew Sobotka finalist for National Hockey League award

Andrew Sobotka – who spent 15 years as the president of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) before retiring from the leadership position at the end of 2024 – is one of three U.S. finalists for the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award™, given to an individual who, through the sport of hockey, has positively impacted their community, culture or society.

Sobotka, 39, was named a finalist by the National Hockey League in mid-May. Voting for the finalist runs through May 25 at https://www.nhl.com/community/willie-oree/willie-oree-community-hero-award.

Sobotka, who lives in Chicago’s Forest Glen neighborhood and is a Senior Manager, Data Engineering & Analytics for IMO Health, has led dynamic growth and worldwide exposure for the CGHA – and is still drilling slapshots multiple times every week. He plays in games at least once a week and also is at area rinks several other days for practices, scrimmages, learn-to-skates sessions and more.

“Being president of CGHA was the best thing I’ve done in my life. Leading such an amazing organization has been the highest privilege,” said Sobotka, who skated into the role in April 2010.

“After I was officially retired from CGHA (as president), I was notified by my partners at the (Chicago) Blackhawks that they would be nominating me for this amazing honor. The NHL mentioned that they don’t receive many nominations directly from NHL clubs, so having the support of the Blackhawks was a huge boost to securing my status as a finalist.”

Sobotka was nominated by the Blackhawks Foundation, specifically, Sara Guderyahn.

“To be nominated for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero award, presented by Discover, was such a surprise and is absolutely so thrilling to be in (among) such an amazing group of finalists,” Sobotka said. “I never could have imagined that I would be selected as a finalist; the thing that has been so clear is that all of the finalists do great work for their communities, and we do it because we love the game of hockey and want to see it grow.”

O’Ree is a former pro hockey player from Canada, recognized as the first black player in the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins. His accomplishment of breaking the color barrier in the NHL has led him to be referred to as the “Jackie Robinson of hockey.”

In 2018, O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and that year the NHL introduced the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in his honor.

“Mr. O’Ree made a lasting impact on the game of hockey; his struggles as the first black player in the NHL (are) so inspiring to myself and so many others who will do anything to play the game that we love,” Sobotka said.

One of the three U.S. finalists and one of the three Canadian finalists will each win a $25,000 award from the NHL and Discover. The others will each receive a $5,000 honor.

The prize money will be allocated to the charity of Sobotka’s choice which, no doubt, will be the CGHA.

The CGHA fields two teams playing this summer at two Chicago rinks and the organizationalso is running a summer program at a third area rink for players who want more ice time outside of games.

The CGHA will, again, be marching in the annual PRIDEChicago.org" target="_blank">Chicago Pride Parade on June 29, along with their partners from the Chicago Blackhawks.

In August, the CGHA will host its fourth hockey tournament at Fifth Third Arena with 12 teams and more than 200 players ready to hit the ice for a weekend of competition, camaraderie and fun.

The CGHA plays games year-round, and also is a solid team player off the ice. It is active with community service, volunteer work and charitable fundraising for others. The CGHA serves three communities: the LGBTQ+ community, the Chicago community and the hockey community.

The CGHA has fundraised over $65,000 on behalf of other organizations – from Chicago Cares and Special Olympics Chicago, to the American Cancer Society.

“When I was a kid, hearing slurs and other language that made me uncomfortable playing hockey,” led him to quit the sport, he said. “I never could have imagined that just by being present, being visible, taking up space, that I would be able to help foster positive change at so many levels.”

Sobotka was playing hockey in his native Grosse Pointe, Michigan when he stopped skating at age 16. He ultimately graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 2003 and from Michigan State in 2007.

In 2010, he was riding on the CGHA float in the Chicago Pride Parade alongside … yep, the Stanley Cup, arguably the most prestigious trophy among all major pro sports leagues.

“Hosting the Stanley Cup in the 2010 Pride Parade kicked off so many wonderful memories,” he said. “Through CGHA, I have made my best friends, my partner, my chosen family. I am so grateful for all of the friends I have made.”

The CGHA won gold at the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland.

Sobotka said hosting the Stanley Cup at the Chicago Pride Parade helped transform the CGHA “into something that truly became part of Chicago’s queer sports legacy.”

To vote for Andrew Sobotka for the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award™, go to:  https://www.nhl.com/community/willie-oree/willie-oree-community-hero-award.