It wasn’t enough, though, as the Ramblers rebounded behind powerplay goals from Nicholas Malaniuk and William Schrieber, and then the game-winner from Jack Gustafson with 8:08 remaining in the third period to capture the championship, 3-2.
The title win followed five earlier Gold victories, including a 4-0 W over Providence Catholic in the semifinals. The Ramblers entered December on an 8-game winning streak and victories in 17 of its their 18 games.
Loyola Gold remained the No. 1-ranked team (as of December 1) in Illinois High School Hockey.
Stevenson, which captured the championship in its Thanksgiving weekend tournament in Buffalo Grove, sits at No. 2, followed by Saint Ignatius, York and New Trier Green to round out the top 5.
Stevenson skated past co-op Glenbard, 5-2, to capture the 2021 “Battle for the Bird” tournament. The Patriots defeated Highland Park, New Trier Blue, Wheaton West, and then BG/H/W in the tournament semifinals.
The Patriots were led by Davis Jegers (5 goals), Raffi Biedron and Brandon Schultz (3 goals each), and James Mendelson (2).
Stevenson plays host to Loyola Gold on Thursday, January 6, at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion in Buffalo Grove.
Here are the Top 20 Rankings of Illinois High School Hockey Teams (as of December 1):
Others To Watch: Naperville North, Highland Park, BG/H/W, Glenbard, Neuqua Valley