 Tim was born in Downers Grove , Illinois on December 8 , 1967 to James and Kathleen Breslin . He was one of six children , having three sisters and two brothers . Breslin grew up in Addison , Illinois where he began playing hockey at age five . He learned the game while playing with his brothers on a frozen pond near the family home and on a backyard rink his father made . As he got older Breslin played in local leagues and Driscoll Catholic High School 's club team , which afforded him the opportunity to join the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League . 
