York Defenseman Drew Gami: ‘The Kind Of Athlete Every Team Hopes For’

York Defenseman Drew Gami: ‘The Kind Of Athlete Every Team Hopes For’

All-State Hockey Player, Baseball Outfielder Gami Is A Two-Year, Two-Sport Varsity Athlete

York needed overtime to win its last home SHL regular-season game on January 31, as the Dukes built a 2-0 lead after two periods at the Addison Ice Arena, but Fenwick answered with two tallies in less than 30 seconds of the third to force OT.

York celebrated its all-state defenseman Drew Gami as the senior netted the game-winner, assisted by James Spano, as the Dukes won, 3-2.

It was the personal highlight this season for Gami, so far.

Despite a 12-18 SHL regular season record, the Dukes are optimistic for late-season heroics, yet again. York, of course, has skated at the United Center for the state championship the past two years, though they have lost both times to New Trier Green.

Gami is one of the main reasons no one looks past the Dukes.

“Drew is the kind of athlete every team hopes for, a relentless competitor, a true gamer and a leader who elevates those around him,” said York head coach Matt Boeing. “His dedication to York Hockey goes beyond personal accolades; he embodies the life skills that sports teach, carrying them into the real world with excellence in academics and leadership.”

Gami, 17, who lives in Elmhurst and shoots right-handed, is in his second season on the York varsity – and what a season it’s been. He is an SHL Academic Honors player, an SHL All-Star and member of the All-SHL (second team).

“With the support of his incredible parents, Apoor and Lisa, Drew has not only left his mark on the ice but also has upheld the York Hockey tradition of leaving the program better than he found it,” Boeing said. “His impact will continue to pave the way for next year’s captains.”

Gami had 7 goals and 7 assists in 29 SHL regular season games this season. In 43 overall games, he has 10 goals and 17 assists.

He represented the SHL in early January at the Allstate Arena in the 3rd annual Chicago All-Star Faceoff as the SHL defeated the stars of the Chicago Catholic Hockey League (CCHL) 9-2. Gami said the game was “an amazing experience.”

Gami, sporting uniform No. 2, formerly skated for the Chiefs and the Chicago Blues. He is an offensive defenseman who admittedly, “likes to see the ice and skate the puck up.” He also is a “lockdown defender who can shut down the other team’s best players at the end of the game.”

Saint Viator head coach Tim Benz said Gami is, “a great two-way player.”

Glenbrook South forward Blake Hoffer added, “Gami is a great overall defender with an offensive threat to go along with that. He’s good at keeping forwards outside, preventing high percentage shots in the slot. He also can take the puck up and use his speed to maneuver defenders to gain ground towards the net.”

Gami last season scored two highlight reel goals in a state tournament upset win over No. 2-seeded Loyola Gold

“(This) season has been a rollercoaster, starting the season 0-5, and winning our first game against New Trier Green, then battling back the whole season to get back to .500 and heating up (over) our past 10 games going into playoffs,” Gami said.

York, with the No. 7 seed in the SHL playoffs, battles No. 2 Glenbrook North in the best-of-three quarterfinals.

When hockey wraps, Gami shifts to baseball, where he is a right-handed hitting outfielder in his second season on the school’s varsity. Last season, the Dukes had the most regular season wins in York baseball history and finished fourth in state.

“I started playing baseball when I was very little; my dad had me hooked and started coaching me when I was very little,” said Gami, who noted that, yes, baseball helps him on the ice. “It helps me with rotational movements, hand-to-eye coordination, staying in shape during the off-season and (baseball) takes my mind off hockey during the off-season, making hockey even more enjoyable during the season.”

Slapshots & Home Runs with … York’s Drew Gami

Influential: “My mom and my coaches throughout the years have been my biggest influences. My mom was the one who got me into hockey because she started playing when I did, and my coach at the Blues (Anthony Monte) was my biggest influence, helping me become the player I am and telling me what I should do when moving teams.”

It Helps: “Watching hockey and learning how highly talented players shoot to deceive goalies.”

Hobbies: Basketball, chess and hanging out with friends

College: Will attend Indiana University in the fall.

Long-term Career Goal: “To succeed in the business market and keep playing baseball and hockey in my free time.”