At 6’3″ sophomore Vadym Scherba towers over all of the other players on the ice.  His size alone is intimidating, but Scherba has more to his game than just being a big body. He is a lethal force to have on your team, with a slap shot that would scare any goalie. Scherba has precision passing, and will put the puck on your stick with a thread the needle pass. Scherba is a versatile defense man on the Niles Township Nighthawks hockey team.

“Vadym brings a work ethic unlike anyone his age. He’s got a snap shot that is as good or better than anyone in the league. He has a lot of potential, and his hockey IQ grows every time he hits the ice,” Coach Kevin Kruszinski said.

Scherba is always around the game of hockey, and cannot get enough of the sport.

“I started skating recreationally at a young age, then started playing hockey at four years old. I have loved the game ever since. I decided to get a job doing something I love. I wanted to teach little kids how to play the greatest sport in the world, so I teach learn to skate classes at the Skokie Skatium,” Scherba said.

Outside of work, Scherba enjoys playing roller hockey with friends, or shooting pucks in his driveway. His hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off according to teammate junior Mary Clark.

“Vadym is a good team player who always has your back, and can spark the team up with a huge hit or a quick rush up the ice. If he sticks with it, he will go far,” Clark said.

Scherba intends on playing hockey at the next level, as he is attracting attention from scouts as only a Sophomore. His valiant playoff performance has helped propel the Nighthawks to the Elite Eight in the White Varsity division of Illinois State Playoffs.

Keep an eye out for Scherba, because someday, you might hear Pat Foley announcing his name for The Blackhawks.