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Hockey: New Trier tops Loyola for Blackhawk Cup

By Ross Forman | Special to the Tribune

10:40 PM CDT, March 16, 2009

New Trier Green scored power-play goals 46 seconds apart late in the first period Monday night, then hung on for a 3-2 victory over Loyola Gold in the championship game of the Blackhawk Cup at the United Center.

The title was the Trevians' first since 2005 and the school's 10th overall. The Ramblers have lost their last six state title games.

"The feeling is fantastic," New Trier's Max Talbot said.

Loyola (24-20-9) scored first about four minutes into the game as Sean Cleary knocked the rebound of a Francis Altman backhander past New Trier goalie Greg Ogard (26 saves).

The Trevians (45-7-3) built a 2-1 edge on power-play goals by Talbot and Michael Vail. The back-to-back goals "were huge. They really gave us a lot of momentum," Talbot said.

Alexander Truglio put the Trevians up 3-1 off a rebound with 10 minutes 36 seconds remaining.

Jack Pegler scored Loyola's second goal with 80 seconds left.

"We put in a team effort and came out victorious. It's just a great feeling," said Ogard, named the game's MVP.

In the girls title game, New Trier (30-3-3) got goals from Caroline Campbell and Hannah Merens in the first period, and Stephanie Dubin scored twice in the second en route to a 4-0 win over Loyola (31-6-2).

It was the Trevians' sixth title and second in a row.