New Trier Green defeated Loyola 3-1 at Heartland Ice arena on Saturday, Jan. 9.

The Trevians improved their record to 38-8-1 for the season and extended their first place lead in the Scholastic Hockey League (SHL).
Juniors John Huber, Charlie Burton and Matt Mulhern all scored to help Green after a crushing shootout loss during New Trier’s quad header on Saturday, Nov. 21.

“The Quad Headers are always bigger games because of the historic rivalry between New Trier and Loyola,” said boy’s head coach Bob Melton. But rivalry aside, Melton said the game was big for the league.

There was a massive Loyola fan turnout for their senior night. However, the crowd was quieted by a goal midway through the first period from Huber, his 20th of the season.

“We wanted to get ahead early to match their intensity,” said Mulhern.

New Trier continued a relentless attack throughout the first period. With 7:33 remaining, the Trevs scored again but it was reversed due to high sticking.

The passion both teams displayed was obvious. Players were separated by refs after several post-whistle altercations.

According to the SHL network, Loyola coach DJ LaVarre commented on the high emotions displayed during the match.

“In these games, it’s about talent and keeping your emotion in check,” LaVarre said. “The team that can keep their emotions in check is the team that comes out victorious.”

Burton continued the scoring in the second period, making his total 55 this season.

Goalie junior Will Douthit came up with a miraculous save 11:36 into the second period, part of his 23 saves that night.

Melton said that Douthit was on his game: “Even if we as a team make a mistake, Douthit is going to make that save for you.”

Despite being responsible for goals allowed, Douthit stated that he has gotten used to the pressure.

Mulhern, tied for the most goals scored, jumped in on the action by scoring his 25th goal of the season to put the Trevians up 3-0.

“I was driving to the net with Stephan Bazianos [and] I turned. The puck hit my leg and went in the net. It was a pretty lucky goal,” Mulhern said.
Loyola showed a little life by scoring with 8:32 left to play, but it was too little too late. “I was very confident, that was a pretty big hole for Loyola to come out off,” Melton said.

The final horn sounded with a score of 3-1.

The two goal lead could have been larger if not for some unlucky calls and bounces of the puck. This game was very different from the nail biting finish to the Quad Header.

Douthit said the team had not practiced differently prior to the game, but “everyone could feel a rise in intensity. This time around we just wanted to win more, especially after losing the first time. We were just way more fired up.”

Beating Loyola is a staple of a successful New Trier sports season. “We have to beat Loyola,” said Mulhern.

New Trier Green won 5-0 against Culver Academy, but lost to Buffalo St. Francis 2-3. They will return home to play Glenbrook North on Jan. 30.