Fifty-four junior hockey players from across the Southland gathered Saturday afternoon in Evergreen Park to play some hockey outdoors.

A bank down the street from the ice arena flashed “18 degrees” on a sign, and according to the Weather Channel, it felt like 8 degrees. It didn’t matter because these kids came to play some hockey — rain or shine or numb fingers.

“We don’t even feel it,” said 6-year-old Joliet Jaguar goalie Kenny Zschach, so bundled up you could only make out his giant smile. “We get to score goals.”

The Jaguars not only were able to play their first game outside, but also were able to partake in the team’s first pregame news conference, which they will have to get used to if they want to grow up to be like their heroes in the NHL.

“I don’t know, I’m pretty cold,” 7-year-old Max Sterioti said, disagreeing with his goalie. “But we’re all excited.”

It wasn’t Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews at Wrigley Field, but these kids were just as tough, fighting the bitter cold solely for the love of a sport that has seen a resurgence in the area partly as a result of the success of the Blackhawks.

“It’s a perfect day for a Winter Classic,” Jaguars manager David Guseman said. “We have 144 kids registered for the Jaguar program, and I haven’t seen those kind of numbers in more than six years.”

For the Jaguars coach, it goes back to the way he came up in hockey, which he also believes is on the rise among youth.

“Kids don’t just pick up a stick, put on skates two sizes too small and find a pond like we did 35 years ago,” Rob Sterioti said. “It’s great that they get to experience this, even though it would be nice if it were a little warmer.

“Our pre-mite program is bigger than it’s ever been, and it’s all because the Blackhawks are on TV and they support us,” he said. They’ve done great things for hockey.”

Abbey Murphy, 8, a member of the St. Jude Knights, couldn’t help but smile when asked if she liked knocking the boys around, but as always, it came back to putting the puck in the net.

“I play offense and defense, so I score, too,” Murphy said. “I just like playing with my friends.”

Brian Badke, a parent of a Knights player and a St. Xavier University football coach, organized the event to give the kids a taste of what their NHL heroes experience. 

“No doubt about it that hockey has become popular on the South Side, and the springboard was the Blackhawks,” Badke said. “We have cameras set up and are making a DVD for all the kids.

“They are going to feel like all-stars.”