Lions Roar: Saint Viator Wins School’s First-Ever Illinois High School Hockey State Championship

By Ross Forman
Saint Viator scored four in the second period, highlighted by two tallies in a 21-second span, to topple the New Trier Green dynasty as Illinois High School Hockey (red division) state champion. The Lions defeated the Trevians 6-3 on Friday, March 6, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont for the school’s first-ever Illinois High School Hockey State Championship.

“To bring home the championship – for the school, the alum, everyone – it’s pretty cool,” said Viator senior captain Ryan Loftus, a forward who tallied the game’s first goal – about four minutes into the second period.

“I got the puck, threw it at the net and it ended up going in. That definitely was the favorite goal that I’ve ever scored; that was pretty cool.”

Viator defenseman Jiyong Hong added: “Definitely a surreal feeling and exciting moment for us. Finally achieving what we worked so hard for and making history for our school and our program is very special and means a lot to us. Seeing all those people supporting us reminded us who we were doing this for.”

The Lions pushed their lead to 2-0 at 11:24 of the second on a goal from Albert Przywara – named the game’s MVP – off a pass from Connor Sibigtroth.

“I want to give all my thanks to God,” Przywara said. “This is the tightest group I’ve ever been a part of … it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

The Trevians made it 2-1 at 8:21 of the second period when Charlie Cannon beat goalie Calder Turpin from the slot.

“(It was) the kind of goal I’ve always scored, just being gritty around the net and going to the hard areas,” Cannon said. “I saw the puck sitting there (in front of the net) and just sprinted to be the first one on it and put it in (the net).”

Green pushed for the equalizer, but instead, the Lions struck hard and fast – and lethal – in the waning minutes of the second, scoring twice in a 21-second span to build a 4-1 edge. Loftus fed Giovanni DiPinto off a three-on-one break and he tallied an upper left-corner goal past New Trier’s Max Reed. Matt Ciccone then tipped home a John Kulpins pass for the game-winner.

New Trier head coach Adam Cheris the 21-second stretch “definitely was a difference-maker.”

The Trevians, though, were determined in the third to prey on the Lions. Jenner Laden scored and Dane Lohmeier then scored unassisted with 10 minutes left to play … it was a one-goal game at that point.

“It was pretty nerve-racking in the third,” Benz said.

Connor Sibigtroth gave the Lions their first dose of insurance with 1:38 remaining, scoring an empty-net goal. “That (goal) was like 1,000 pounds got lifted off my shoulders,” Turpin said.

Then with 1:12 remaining, DiPinto iced the win with an empty-net goal. 

“It was a sensational win; everyone came together as a team,” Turpin said. “I came in there a little nervous, (my) heart pumping. But once that (opening) puck dropped, that nervousness turned into energy.

“In the third period, I was tough mentally; they just kept throwing it at me, hoping to score (on the first shot) or bury a rebound. But the defense did a great job (clearing out rebounds).”

Now the Lions will prepare for the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey High School National Championships, March 18-22 in Plymouth, Minn. “We’re absolutely excited for Nationals, hoping to keep the train rolling,” Benz said.

The Lions finished 40-15, with five of their 15 loses coming in overtime.

New Trier White head coach Jeremy Ellis, part of the finals broadcast team, tagged the Allstate Arena games, including the BG/H/W win over Maine Township in the combined division final, as “a great day for Illinois high school hockey.”

“Both games were intense and hard-fought, and the atmosphere with the (overflowing) student sections were awesome to watch,” Ellis said. “The Lions were a team of destiny this season. From the time they lost to New Trier Green last season until Friday at the Allstate Arena, you knew they were a team on a mission. The job Tim Benz and his staff does is second-to-none. I was really happy for him, knowing him since his playing days.”

Ellis added: “Viator made the plays that it took to win. Green fought back like champions to make it close (in the third period), but it was the Lions day.”

Cheris had nothing but praise for his Trevians – and the Lions.

“It was a fun game, good atmosphere. Both student sections were big and lively,” Cheris said. “I’m really happy for Viator, for Tim, their staff, their players, their community. I know a lot of their players; they are really good kids.

“Everyone knew they’d be really good this year, based on the high number of returning players and the highly-skilled players they have. Plus, Turpin has risen to really be a great goalie. They are the real deal; they are a great team.”