BlackHawk Cup Finals

Both teams looked exceptional in the opening skate and an intensity filled the United Center as ten thousand people filled the stands. Troy Carroll looked ready to have the team jump on his back one more time and carry Glenbrook North back to a championship. Senior captain Greg Smart for New Trier had a fire in his eyes, as he had said winning the state championship was the goal of New Trier since the beginning of the year. The first period both Troy Carroll and Greg Ogard stood tall helping keep both teams off the scoreboard. The second period was a seesaw battle as both teams popped in two goals, leading into what was going to be an exciting third period. Both teams had some opportunities early in the third, but neither of these goalies were going to let their team fall behind. Then with just under 6 minutes to play New Trier crashed the net hard in front of Carroll, the puck was bouncing around and at one point was under Carroll but New Trier never giving up on the play was able to knock the puck in and grab a 3-2 advantage. As the minutes ticked off the clock Glenbrook North tried desperately to mount a comeback. Carroll skated away from the net with just over a minute to go and Glenbrook tried to get the equalizer in the final minute but New Trier was able to hold on and raise the state championship trophy. A truly exceptional game by both teams and both goalies had an amazing tournament. It was unfortunate to see either team lose because of the way these teams battled every minute of this game but when it was all said and done New Trier Green accomplished what it set out to due since day one of this season.