Volunteer Spotlight Featuring Mark Soppi

Mark was an integral part of the Illinois Hockey family during his four years at the University of Illinois, forming lasting friendships and benefiting from the guidance of coaches and teammates. The lessons he learned on and off the ice shaped him into who he is today, and after graduating, Mark felt a strong desire to give back to the program and its players. As a volunteer assistant coach, Mark strives to create an environment that challenges his players while keeping the mood light – making sure they look forward to coming to the rink every day. Beyond the rink, he serves as a mentor, offering advice and sharing his own experiences to help his players navigate the challenges he most likely once faced. Mark emphasizes that there is more to life than just the game and takes pride in helping these talented and driven individuals find success, whether in their athletic endeavors or future career paths.

Illinois Hockey is deeply committed to giving back to the community. The team hosts fundraising events, such as jersey auctions, to support causes like Breast Cancer, Military Appreciation, and Autism Awareness, with proceeds benefiting organizations like the American Cancer Society, Veterans Centers, and the YMCA. Beyond fundraising, Illinois Hockey actively supports the Champaign-Urbana Youth Hockey Association (CUYHA) Learn-To-Play program, which teaches kids the fundamentals of hockey along with essential life skills like teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. By engaging in these initiatives, Mark and the Illinois Hockey family help grow the game, inspire the next generation of players, and ensure that the passion and values of the sport continue to thrive.