It’s the top 2 seeds facing off in the State Championship for the Combined Blackhawk Cup. Waubonsie Valley looks to avenge last years state runner up finish as they take on conference rival Glenbard. Zach Pearce and Zach Lupori just won a state championship with the Geneva Cyclones. However, tonight they are on opposite ends of the ice.
Glenbard had 3 breakaways in the opening period, but Justin Howard came up strong each time to keep Glenbard off the scoreboard.
The Warriors had some good looks too. Near the end of the 1st Nate Kozari gets a nice lane, but the shot is saved by Ian Moran. Scoreless heading to the 2nd period.
The 2nd period ends up being a big one. Will Naffziger opens up the scoring early on to get the Warriors crowd pumping.
Later on Zach Pearce has a couple shots saved, but Jason Sommers is there for the rebound. The Warriors go up 2-0.
But, on the ensuing shift Sam Ruffolo gets behind the defense and scores on a breakaway.
With under 4 to play in the 2nd period. Zach Pearce once again shows us why he’s among the most skilled players in the state. He makes a filthy pass through 3 defenders and Michael Alberts is there for the goal. The Warriors lead 3-1 heading to the 3rd period.
Glenbard takes advantage of a Warrior turnover and Brett Quinn makes it a 1 goal game with over 10 minutes remaining.
Under 3 to play in the 3rd, Brett Quinn makes a slick move around a defender and scores the equalizer. That goal sends this game to overtime tied at 3.
Early on in overtime, Zach Lupori gets a good look from the slot, but Howard makes the save.
A few minutes later Lupori gets another good look, but Howard kicks it away and Jack Flood makes a great poke check to deny the rebound opportunity.
Towards the end of overtime Pearce gets some open space and lets the shot go, but Ian Moran makes the save. That sends us to double overtime and the action was just as good in the 2nd OT.
The Warriors get a power play midway through the 2nd overtime and they capitalize. Zach Pearce unleashes a shot that gets redirected by Nolan Cummings. The Warriors take home their 2nd State Championship in program history in an absolute thriller in the Blackhawk Cup Championship Game. Head Coach Jeremy Dombro gets to take home some hardware in his 1st season as the lead man behind the bench.
You can watch the full broadcast of the championship game on our live sports page.
