Hinsdale Hockey Club May Be Forced To Change Name

HINSDALE, IL — The Hinsdale Central Hockey Club may sound like it is a part of Hinsdale Central High School, but it is not. For years, the school district has allowed the separate club to use its name and Red Devil mascot.

But the Hinsdale High School District 86 is considering repealing a 2005 policy that let the club use the school's name and mascot. It takes up the matter at its meeting Thursday.

The policy allows separate groups to use the high school's name as long as they meet a few conditions. One of those conditions is that such organizations must prominently state they are not legally associated with District 86. This information is included on the hockey club's website.

According to the district, the hockey club is the only group known to be operating under the 2005 policy. Earlier this month, the school board's policy commmittee recommended the repeal, citing the administrative costs to address "misunderstood relationships." The matter has been referred to the full board for a "robust" discussion, according to district documents.

In an interview Wednesday, Tim Romberger, the club's president, said his group opposed a repeal. He said its 40 to 50 players take pride in playing for a team with Hinsdale Central's name.

"They want to play for their high school," Romberger said. "It would be unfortunate if the board took that away."

He said the club's practice is consistent with other hockey clubs, which also bear their respective schools' names. The change in name would come at a cost for the club, which ultimately affects the players' families, he said.

Romberger said he and other club board members would speak at the school board meeting, which is set for 6 p.m. Thursday in the Hinsdale Central cafeteria, 5500 S. Grant St.

All hockey club members must be in the Hinsdale Central attendance zone. The group was founded in 1972.

Romberger said the club has not thought of a new name in case the school board repeals its policy.