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Kids' Hockey Dreams Prove Expensive For Parents

CHICAGO (CBS) -- There is one group of young fans who not only stayed up to watch every minute of the game they're committed to the sport.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker introduces us to the athletes who say last night's win is inspiring them even more to fulfill their dreams.

At a goalie hockey camp, there are perhaps future Blackhawk players inspired by today's champions.

"I was excited that they won the Stanley Cup," said Liam Rice. "I just love hockey and I want to become an NHL star one day.

The dreams start young and come with a hefty price tag.

"When he started with the team to skate, to learn to play I mean it was really minimal. That was possibly 2,3, 400 dollars. Now it's close to 3,000," said Liam's mother.

That just covers the cost to join the team, tournaments tack on another grand and to outfit this ten year old goalie, Rice pays close $2,000.

Asked if she knew of the expense of playing hockey, Liam's mother said, "I had no idea, but he's tried all sports and it is the one sport that he is so totally passionate about.

You can find that kind of passion across the ice.

"If I do not have hockey I would not like life," said Josh Moto.

The chances of realizing their hockey dreams is one in 2,500, according to industry experts, but the lessons they learn, priceless.

"Hard work, having strong work ethic, it's a great way to keep kids to of trouble, keep them healthy, active," said Josh Moto's dad.

CBS 2 caught up with our future hockey players at Johnny's Icehouse where they were attending at week long goalie camp. That's another $450 for about 15 hours of lessons. But again, parents are willing to make the sacrifice for their children.

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