AWF tops Glenbard for Combined Division state title
AWF turned its debut on the United Center ice late Friday night into a special, magical memory.
The Renegades - a mix of players from Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Montini and Fenton - cruised past Glenbard 4-1 to capture the Combined Division boys hockey state championship, the club's first state title.
"I just think we were ready, more prepared and just came out harder. We moved the puck well and just wanted it more, which ultimately is what it came down to," said AWF senior defenseman and team captain Eric Molitor (Willowbrook).
Sam Smith gave AWF a 1-0 lead less than 5 minutes into the first period, assisted by Joe Simoncelli and Jacob Richardson.
"We were on a 2-on-1 (break) and Joey slid (the puck) over; I one-timed it, top-shelf," said Smith (Montini), who had only 2 goals all season. "This was unbelievable, just awesome."
Vinny Sansone scored for Glenbard at 9:43 of the second, smacking home a rebound on the powerplay, assisted by Michael McEllin and Ryan Newell, tying the game 1-1.
Glenbard finished 33-17-4, while the Renegades ended 37-0-0-1.
"This was our plan from day one, and we stuck to it, that's for sure," said AWF coach Matt Benton. "Usually we are a third-period team, so for them to come out hot, that was a bonus."
Jacob Richardson scored the game-winner on the powerplay from the right side, smacking home the third period goal past a diving Glenbard goalie.
AWF iced the win with 4:45 remaining on Alex Wosilus' tip in rebound goal.
"That (goal) kind of ended the game right there," said Wosilus, a senior (Willowbrook). "I've been playing for this team for four years, and (winning state) was something that never came into my mind. But this year has been different; it's the best team I've ever been on.
"Scoring goals is always great, but doing it in a championship game … you can't describe that."
Jack Muccianti added AWF's final tally in the final seconds.
Red Division: New Trier Green had dominated Illinois high school hockey all season, so it was no surprise that the Trevians just continued their run through the ranks in the biggest game of the year.
The Trevians defeated Providence Catholic 4-2 on Friday night at the United Center in the top-tiered Red Division, ending one of the best seasons in local hockey history. New Trier finished 67-9 and didn't lose to an Illinois high school team all season (49-0). The Trevians were the No. 1-ranked team all season and won their last 32 games.
"This was a nice, fitting end (to the season) ," said New Trier coach Bob Melton, who has won 12 state championships in 20 seasons leading Green. "This was one of the best teams I have ever coached."
Green struck first on an upper-corner, power play goal from senior Michael Graham, assisted by senior Kyle Retondo with just under 3 minutes to play in the first period.
New Trier pushed it to 2-0 about 3 minutes into the second period on a wristshot goal from senior Charlie Burton off a centering pass from senior Matt Mulhern.
Providence cut the score to 2-1 on one of the most bizarre plays. New Trier defenseman Gavin Randle was pressured by Celtics' senior forward Mike Massaro with no New Trier goalie in the net as Providence was about to be whistled for a penalty. But the puck went off Randle's stick into the net.
Massaro was credited with the unassisted goal.
"That was like an 'oh-wow' moment," Melton said.
"That was a special moment, one that I'll remember forever. Unfortunately that's not what I'll remember most about this day," Massaro said.
New Trier pushed its lead to 3-1 with 1:50 remaining in the second, but the Celtics made it 3-2 at 13:32 of the third on a Jake Vennetti goal (Jacob Rott, Jacob Lawler assists).
"Everyone on the bench thought we could do it (at that point), but just ran out of time, Vennetti said.
Green iced the win with :28 left to play when senior Michael Graham scored his second goal of the game into an empty Celtics' net from the Trevians' side of the red line.
"I didn't think it was going in (the net); I shot it to ice it, but it curved and went it; I was so relieved," Graham said. "We grew up watching the Blackhawks and the NHL players, but some of our biggest heroes as little kids were the guys who played for Green (years ago)."
Girls
Caitlyn Schneider had one of those games that players can only dream about: 3 goals, 2 assists, 1 state championship.
Yep, it sure was a good, if not great, Friday afternoon for Schneider, a senior forward for the co-op Glenbrook South girls hockey team that cruised past Loyola at the United Center for the state championship 7-3.
Glenbrook finished the season 22-1-2, while Loyola ends 18-5-3 - and the spotlight win for avenges Glenbrook's only setback all season, a 1-goal loss to Loyola.
Schneider (Glenbrook South), who will play at Wisconsin next fall, finished the season with a team-leading 30 goals and had 12 assists.
"(It) was pretty special, pretty great," Schneider said of the state title victory. "To have everybody cheering for you, to have your picture up on the scoreboard is pretty exciting."
Glenbrook built a 2-0 lead after the first period, and it was 4-1 after two. Valerie Caldwell had 2 of Loyola's goals, both late in the third period.
Junior Hannah Jensen (Regina) also had a hat trick for the victors.
Goalie Viola Chobak (Glenbrook North) had 29 saves.
"They were hoping to rattle (Chobak) early, but they weren't able to do it," said Glenbrook coach Steve Hamelin. "She kept us in (the game).
"This is something the girls will remember for the rest of their lives."
Tianna Lavelle made 26 saves for Loyola.
"Getting a few goals early was a good confidence-boast," said Chobak, who admitted that the post-game, on-ice celebration was, well, a bit uncomfortable - because she was on the bottom of the pile.
But ultimately, it was all smiles for Glenbrook.