Patriots roll past Glenbrook South

After clinching a spot in the Scholastic Cup playoffs the previous night, Stevenson's boys hockey team carried the momentum into its final playdown game.

The Patriots scored the first five goals of the game, including two in the first two minutes of action, and went on to defeat Glenbrook South 5-2 on Thursday night.

Ross Dickson opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the game. Chad Himley won a faceoff to Jordan Jobes, who found Dickson in front for his first of 2 goals. Himley, Chris Steigerwald and Jobes added goals later, while Brian Murtha finished with 2 assists. Dan Wood, Bryan Halpert, Sean Hammond, Jobes and Himley also earned assists. Goalie Johnny DiTallo picked up the win.

Stevenson secured its playoff berth in the Chicago Metro Scholastic Cup the night before thanks to an 8-1 win over Highland Park. For the second game in a row, Himley had a hat trick, while Murtha's 4 assists gave him his second consecutive 4-point game. Joey Pellettiere added a pair of goals, while Matt Levey, Jobes and Evan Frank also scored for the Patriots, who led 5-0 after two periods. Jobes added 2 assists. Steigerwald, Dickson, Dan Wood and Levey also assisted on goals.

Stevenson, which finished 4-1 in playdown action and earned the No. 2 seed from the Metro North behind Glenbrook North (5-0), opens the Metro Scholastic Cup tonight. The Patriots face off against the Rockford Icemen, the No. 1 seed from the Metro Northwest, at 8 p.m. at West Meadows.

Stevenson begins play in the Blackhawk Cup state tournament on Monday, as it will take on York at 7:35 p.m. at Twin Rinks. Stevenson's varsity is ranked fourth in the state.