Bloomington Ice Center manager named to the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame

Posted on November 1, 2024

*Michael Hernbrott had previously been inducted into the Illinois State University’s Hockey Club Hall of Fame in 2023. (Photo courtesy City of Bloomington)*

BLOOMINGTON – The manager of the Bloomington Ice Center is now a Hall of Famer.

Earlier this month, Michael Hernbrott was named as a member of the 20th class of inductees who will be honored in January by the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame.

“The friendships I’ve made from the players and families I’ve met through the sport have surpassed any expectations I could dream of,” said Hernbrott in a news release. “I’ve dedicated my life to helping the youth and local clubs in the communities of Oak Park, Berwyn and Gurnee Illinois. I’m grateful to be acknowledged at this time,” he said in a news release from the city. I look forward to continuing this focus here in Bloomington. It has been my home since 2013.”

“The potential for growth of the sport with the Bison has me feeling positive and hopeful for the future of our entire Bloomington Ice Center family and clubs,” he said.

Hernbrott had previously been inducted into the Illinois State University’s Hockey Club Hall of Fame in 2023.

The honored inductees’ categories include players, coaches, builders and referees. Hernbrott will be inducted into the coaches category.

“This is such a tremendous honor for Michael. He has turned his passion for hockey into a career and positively impacted so many youths and families in the suburbs and our city of Bloomington,” said James Wayne, the recreation superintendent of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We are appreciative of his continued leadership of the Bloomington Ice Center and the impact he continues to have both on the ice and in our local hockey community.”

The IHHF Induction Dinner will be held on Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Belvedere Banquet Hall at 1170 West Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting John Dunne at (224) 636-3215 or emailing John at [email protected].

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