York JV secured First Place Metro West Champions, First Place in Metro West Playoffs, and the All Metro Playoffs for the top 2 teams in each Metro division.  One by one all teams were eliminated…ultimately leading to a Championship on Sunday February 28, 2010.  And then there were 2…York and Stevenson.

    As the national anthem played, the standing room only crowd of both teams’ family and friends stood. With pride and excitement, every fan watched their son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, even a baby watching her uncle, as they celebrated this huge accomplishment of being the only 2 JV teams left in Chicago Metro to take either the “Gold” or “Silver”.  Being here made every one of those present proud.  Whatever happened was to be determined.  For now all stood with pride as they listened to our Nation’s song and watched these boys, who have worked so hard to accomplish this!

   York came out strong with Alex Carson driving through Stevenson’s whole team to take such a hard shot he fell over with his own power.  It was quickly apparent, the goalie was strong.  Sean Delaney fired one from the blue line, but he too was denied.  Jeremy Fisher-Haase “Fish”, York’s goalie, was not to be out-done.  He answered back with some incredible saves of his own, keeping York matched with Stevenson with 0-0 at the end of the first period.

   Sean Marchese lit a fire as he drove the puck down, fought off two opponents and put York on the board with his unassisted top shelf goal.  Paul Restivo battled hard defending “Fish” as he blocked the Stevenson player and together they disengaged the net with NO goal.  York retained the lead 1-0.  York was called on interference.  Fish battled through keeping his team in it. They just about killed the penalty, but with 2 seconds left on the power play, Stevenson tied it up.  York was called on a second interference penalty, which Stevenson managed to capitalize on, ending the 2^nd period 2-1. 

  The third period heated up.  Stevenson added some cushion to their lead and put one more on the board.  But, Captain, John Peterson was a leader and leading this team he did. He provided the assist to Adam Hilgenkamp getting York within 1.  Alex Carson was denied before, but had no intention of letting that happen again.  With an assist from Adam Kosecki, the tying goal was secured. The third period belonged to York.  With less than a minute left, Alex Carson almost won the game for York. It hit the cross-bar and deflected out of play. "You could hear the 'ding' as the puck hit the metal", despite the loud sighs from the crowd...all in disbelief! This was the winning goal, but luck was just not on York’s side this game.  With 45 seconds left, York pressured Stevenson in their zone the rest of “regulation play” only to be denied.  OT was any team’s shot.  Sudden death was the decision maker and Stevenson managed to be first in putting it in net winning 4-3. 

   Like Team U.S.A. it was mixed emotions.  They should be proud to earn Silver, but were saddened by not taking gold.  Heads up boys, there may be a rematch. 

   York J.V. continues with the road to their “one goal” for the Blackhawk cup.  By defeating Deerfield 11-2 in their state opener last week, they earned a spot in the state’s “Sweet 16”.  They’ll compete Wednesday March 3^rd for a shot at the Elite 8 at the AHAI ice rink at the Bensenville Edge.