Sports
VIDEO: Spartans Hockey Falls One Goal Short in State Final
New Trier Green beat Glenbrook North 3-2 on a late goal to win the state title at the United Center.
It’s a day the Glenbrook North hockey team will never forget, but it wasn’t the result they wanted.
New Trier Green won its second state title in three years with a 3-2 win over Glenbrook North at the United Center on Sunday. Kyle Melton scored the game-winning goal with 6:06 left in the game.
With the teams tied at two, Melton stuffed in the puck after a scramble in front of the net. Being the only sophomore on the team and the son of coach Bob Melton, Kyle was glad to prove his worth.
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“A lot of guys thought I was iffy when I came on the team, but I’m glad I showed them I can play,” Kyle Melton said. “That’s usually not my type of game, but I didn’t have too good of a second period so I knew I had to score.”
GBN goaltender Troy Carroll (31 saves) was terrific in goal and kept the game scoreless after the first period with a pair of fantastic glove saves. Spartans’ coach Mark Brunner called Carroll, a senior, as steady of a goalie as he’s ever had.
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“He played unbelievable,” GBN senior captain Tommy Washburn said. “He’s the best goaltender in the state. He played great all year.”
With 13:43 left in the second Spartans’ forward Jared Fisher broke the deadlock. New Trier goalie Greg Ogard (20 saves) lost sight of the puck in front and Fisher stuffed it in.
Not even 90 seconds later, New Trier tied it up. Danny Zalesky, who scored the game-winner in the Trevians’ 2-1 semifinal win over St. Rita, scored with assists from Will Westhoff and Ben Friedman.
Friedman and Westhoff got on the scoresheet again with 9:37 left in the period. Friedman passed across the goal to Westhoff, who ripped a shot at Carroll that created a rebound for Friedman to finish.
The Spartans tied it at two on the power play when Blake Raven spotted an open Seth Gideon on the wing. Gideon took the open space and beat Ogard with a low shot late in the period.
After the loss, Brunner complimented the quality of play in the game.
“I think anybody who watched this game today certainly saw a little bit of everything,” the coach said. “There was some hitting. There was great goaltending on both sides. There were quality chances. I think both teams for the most part were super disciplined. Great atmosphere. It’s a great statement for Illinois high school hockey and it only keeps getting better.”
Check back with Northbrook Patch tomorrow for coverage on what it was like for the Spartans to play at the United Center.
