Stampede Celebration: BG/H/W Tops Maine Township 5-2 To Avenge 2025 State Championship Loss

By Ross Forman
BG/H/W struck early, then celebrated late as the Stampede defeated Maine Township 5-2 on Friday, March 6, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The win marked the third state championship for the Stampede (2016, 2018), which features players from Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Wheeling and Schaumburg High Schools.

“I didn’t have to say anything (pre-game); our captains said everything that was needed,” said BG/H/W head coach Chris Waters, in his 10th season leading the Stampede, which has appeared in the state final five times since 2013. “One of our pre-game objectives was to start strong. We thought they would be nervous and would use it to our advantage. 

“That worked about as well as we could have asked.”

The Stampede struck 1:14 into the first period on a goal from Jacob Forsberg, assisted by Cam Christopher and Jackson Ronkoske. 

“That (goal) was a game-changer; it put them on their heels from the start,” Waters said.

Added Stampede goalie Ronin Alaniz: “That (first goal) absolutely elevated the game for us.
It gave us a huge flood of momentum. I’m sure we were able to get into (Maine goalie Joseph) Murphy’s head at that point. That (goal) really set the tone, the momentum for our team.”

The Stampede pushed it to 2-0 later in the first period on a powerplay goal from Dominic Pesoli, assisted by Ryan Costanza. Christopher netted the game-winning game with 1:14 left to play in the second period (Costanza and William Selleck) as the Stampede built a 3-0 lead after two periods.

“Our team played so well,” said BG/H/W junior goalie Alaniz, who faced 18 shots. “I just had to make a couple of (key) saves to keep the game even, keep the momentum rolling.

“I am just so happy I was a part of that game.”

Maine head coach Greg Mrofcza said: “Not the way we wanted it to go, but certainly a good effort from the guys; they battled the whole way.

“What I hope is, with time and perspective, the team will realize how special it was just getting to play in the (state championship) game – and the loss won’t define you, but the experience will help shape who you are and contribute to good things down the road.

“But in the moment, this sucks.”

Maine cut the lead to 3-1 less than two minutes into the third period when John Donohue converted a centering pass (Gavin Brich, Matheson Cooney).

“We knew we were going to have a battle (in the third). We knew they were coming to get us. That goal was the wake-up call,” Waters said.

The Stampede answered less than three minutes later when Jackson Ronkoske somehow beat Murphy (Dominic Pesoli, Jacob Forsberg) from along the goal line on the left side after a shot caromed off the backboards.

“Truth is, this hurts,” Mrofcza said. “No one is happy just getting (to the final). 

“I was impressed with a lot of our seniors today. They could have packed it in 1:14 into the game when (the Stampede) went ahead, but they didn’t.”

Matthew Deluca scored a powerplay goal with 3:34 remaining (John Donohue, Gavin Brich), cutting the score to 4-2. Aiden Gogerty iced the Stampede win with 1:56 remaining, netting an unassisted empty-net goal.

“After losing last year in double overtime, this is surreal,” Waters said. “We had one goal in mind all year, and to accomplish it, that is pretty amazing.”

Murphy faced 22 shots from the Stampede and BG/H/W forward Christopher was named the game’s MVP.

Waters said his goalie Alaniz, “was fantastic and probably had one of his best games of the year.”

Added Mrofcza: “(Alaniz) had a couple of really big saves that were momentum-changers, especially in the second period. They were frustrating to play against; they didn’t give us a lot of time or space. We had some good looks but, when we did, their goaltender came up with some really good saves.”

The Maine coach said the Allstate Arena games, including Saint Viator’s win over New Trier Green in the red division title tilt, “made for a great day for high school hockey in Illinois.”

“The kids, on all four teams, will never forget today; it will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.

“As for Maine, from an overall program standpoint, we’re relevant every year. We just haven’t been able to crack through (and win state), but that will come. We will remain competitive for years to come.”