Behind the high-paced action of the Saint Viator High School hockey team is a coach who brings far more to the ice than just strategy and drills.

From Boston prep school roots to the heart of Palatine, IL, Coach Jason Hogan is shaping young athletes both on and off the ice. Here are five things to know about the man leading one of the prestigious hockey clubs at the Nicholas Sportsplex.

1. He Believes Hockey Teaches Life Skills Beyond the Ice
With more than 25 years of coaching experience at programs like Team Illinois, Evanston Youth Hockey, and the Northwest Chargers, Jason’s philosophy goes well beyond winning games. “Hockey is a metaphor for life,” he commented. “It’s not an easy sport. You’re basically skating in boots with knives,” smiled Jason. It takes grit.”

He emphasizes work ethic, resilience, and character. “Kids today deal with what I call ‘Fortnite Syndrome’—they lose and just reset and move right on,” he said emphatically. “But life doesn’t have a reset button. I want to teach them how to face adversity, push through, and come out stronger.” For Jason, hockey is also about learning roles. “Not everyone is in the highlight reel. But everyone contributes, and every role matters. That’s what makes a real team.”

2. As Hockey Director, He’s Building a Culture of Respect and Accountability
In March 2025, Jason stepped into the role of hockey director at Saint Viator—a job that combines administration, program leadership, and mentorship. “I think of it like being an athletic director for the hockey program,” he says. His focus is building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Tim Benz. “We’re working on clearly defining who we are,” Jason commented. “What is our mission statement? What values guide us? I want to roll that out to our players and parents.”

Respect, accountability, and commitment are at the core of what the program stands for. “We want our players and coaches to be the best version of themselves, both on and off the ice. That takes real work—and it’s not just on the players and coaches. It’s a team effort with the families, too.”

3. He’s a Coach, a Mentor—and a Culinary School Grad
Before he was drawing up plays on the ice, this coach was experimenting in the kitchen. With a degree in finance and graphic design, he later attended culinary school for a year, exploring a different kind of passion. “Cooking is my artistic outlet,” he smiled. “I love making up recipes, especially Mediterranean dishes inspired by my Greek and Italian heritage.”

Despite ultimately choosing a different path, his time in culinary school wasn’t wasted. Today, he still cooks for his family, whipping up dishes like perfectly grilled steak for his son Finn or classic hot dogs for his other son Max. His wife Sarah, an assistant principal, always enjoys Mediterranean-inspired meals. The kitchen remains a place of creativity, family connection—and occasional surprise for players who can’t believe their coach once trained to be a chef.

4. His Son Plays for Saint Viator, but He Keeps a Careful Distance
Jason’s youngest son Finn plays on Viator’s Varsity 1 hockey team—and is set to be captain next season. But despite their shared love for the sport, the coach in Jason keeps a respectful, professional distance. “He doesn’t need his dad hanging over him,” he pointed out.

Finn’s path to hockey was never forced. “I took him to a public skate when he was young and he just loved it. He couldn’t get enough,” he remembered. From the Renegades to the Northwest Chargers, and now Viator, Finn has grown as a player and as a person. “Hockey has taught him so much—not just about the game, but about being a great teammate and an even better brother.” His older brother Max lives with a disability, and Jason is proud of the way Finn shows compassion and leadership both on and off the ice, especially with his brother.

5. He Says the Nicholas Sportsplex Is One of the Best Ice Arenas in the Country
Of all the rinks Jason has been to in his decades in hockey, none stand out quite like Nicholas Sportsplex. “It’s beautiful and well-run. I honestly think it’s the greatest arena I’ve been in,” he reflected. The amenities speak for themselves: Viator players have their own locker room, an on-site study and film room, and a dedicated coach’s office. “This past summer, we traveled to many other rinks. I remind our players often to be grateful for our home arena—not every team has this. We’re lucky to call this place home.”