Reed Wolf Brings Sounds, Spikes & Slapshots to Deerfield
Three-year Defenseman Leads Warriors Into Rivalry Game: November 27 vs. Highland Park
By Ross Forman, 10/28/24, 8:15PM CDT - link to original article
Reed Wolf, a three-year Deerfield varsity defenseman, is truly defensive-focused. He brings a quick shot from the right point in the attacking zone and is focused on positioning in the Warriors’ end.
“Being my senior year, I want to contribute as much as possible and make an impact every time I get on the ice. I also want to focus on becoming more of a physical player,” said Wolf, 17.
And no game means more to Wolf and the entire Deerfield roster than its clash with arch-rival Highland Park on Wednesday, November 27, in Vernon Hills. No turkey is allowed when these two bitter rivals battle for bragging rights in front of an overflowing, energized crowd. Wolf allies are covered in red; all aligned with the Giants gushing royal blue.
“We are going into the Thanksgiving (game) with (one) thought: to win,” Wolf said. “It is the biggest game of the year for us, the most important game. Winning this game is one of the biggest highlights of our season. Winning in front of our school is exciting.”
Last year, in a tied rivalry game, the Warriors scored a goal late in the third period to earn the W. Wolf said the win was simply, “awesome.”
The Deerfield/Highland Park battle kicks off on Friday, November 8, in the first game of the annual Chicago Blackhawks High School Rivalry Series. The puck drops at 8:40 p.m. at the Glacier Ice Rink in Vernon Hills.
Wolf, who formerly skated for the Falcons Hockey Club, said the Warriors are a solid team this season with lofty goals. “We are going to work as hard as we can to reach them,” he said.
Wolf is driven off the ice, too.
Volleyball, for instance, is a central focus of his. He’s been playing since middle school and early in his court run, he was a setter before switching to libero which, in volleyball, is a specialized position that can only play in the back row. They are the ball-control specialists because they manage a lot of passing and digging responsibilities.
“The libero is all over the court, diving, passing, digging and making sure the ball doesn’t hit the ground,” Wolf said. “I love playing volleyball because of the teamwork it requires; you can never win a volleyball game with one player. It requires the strengths of all team members on the court.”
Hockey helps Wolf’s cardio training and endurance for volleyball, as well as agility and reflexes. “Hockey demands quick lateral movements and fast reflexes, especially for defensemen. These skills translate well to volleyball, where quick reactions are needed for digging and positioning,” he said. “Hand-to-eye coordination in hockey is needed, such as for controlling the puck, which is essential (in volleyball) for serving, setting and hitting. It also translates with teamwork and communication.”
Spatial awareness forces volleyball players to always be aware of court positioning, anticipating where the ball will land. “This awareness is useful in hockey too, where I read the game and position myself effectively both offensively and defensively,” he said. “Reacting quickly to a fast-moving volleyball helps improve reaction time, which transfers well to hockey, where quick decision-making under pressure is essential. I also think being able to make that diving plays translates directly to on-ice situations.”
Sports aren’t Wolf’s lone practices. He also is a member of the Deerfield symphony orchestra, playing the violin, which he has done since he was 8. And last year, he traveled to Scotland and England, playing his violin in various shows.
He credits his mom with getting him hooked on the violin.
And yes, the violin and the often-violent world of hockey are, to a degree, similar and helpful. The similarities include focus and discipline. Both require lots of practice and focus, he said. “Hockey trains your mind to react quickly; violin teaches patience and attention to detail. Hockey is intense and physical; violin lets you be creative and expressive.
“Doing both helps me stay balanced mentally and emotionally.”
Slapshots With … Deerfield defenseman Reed Wolf
Golf: Was on the Deerfield golf team as a sophomore. “Playing golf and hockey at the same time became a little too much, so I stopped playing for my school. I still play as much as I can. I love golfing.”
College Plans: Undecided, plans to study business
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Quinn Hughes
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Peaky Blinders
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chipotle bowl
Favorite app: Instagram
Best Hockey Tip: “The simplest, yet most important tip I received was to always keep my feet moving. I have heard this from every coach I have had; it is the best tip.”