By Ross Forman

            New Trier Green picked up right where it left off last season: celebrating victory as the champions, this time as winners of the Warriors Hockey Pre-Season Invitational, held September 5-8 at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge.

            The Trevians stopped Glenbrook South 6-2 in the finals.

            “We came out excited for the game, especially after losing to GBS all three times last season when they just had our number. This was a game that we wanted to get a hot start,” said Green head coach Adam Cheris.

            The Trevians did just that, building a 4-0 lead after the first period.

            Dillon Himan opened the scoring, followed by a Gunther Hutchen goal. Jack Hirschtritt scored the Trevians’ next two goals, including the game-winner.

“We came with the burst that we needed,” Cheris said. “It was nice to get ahead of them so early in the game.”

Zackary Huebsch made it 5-0 at 8:46 of the second, assisted by Hirschtritt and Himan.

“It was nice to get all over them fast, which is something we’re looking at with this team. If we get a fast start on anyone, we will be tough to beat,” Cheris said.

Evan Bonnell struck for South at 6:01 of the second, assisted by Jonah Weiss, making it 5-1. The Trevians answered in the final moments of the period when Hutchen scored again, assisted by Luke Chiu and Garrett Chong.

“We have a very deep team with a lot of scoring (potential). All our lines chipped in – in the finals and throughout the tournament,” Cheris said. “When all four (offensive) lines are scoring, that’s a good situation to be in.”

Weiss scored the only third period goal, assisted by Bonnell.

Hutchen, a senior leader who can play forward and defense, was the New Trier MVP of the tournament.

“Huebsch was incredible all weekend,” Cheris said.

“Garrett, Luke and Ethan put up incredible offensive numbers.” Chiu led the tournament with 7 goals and 5 assists in 6 games. Baker and Chong each had 10 points in the tourney. “They are high-skilled players and when they move the puck together, it’s fun to watch.”

Green advanced to the finals with a 3-0 semi-final win over York, with Chong scoring twice. The Titans made it to the finals with a shootout win over Glenbrook North. Frank Surma scored the game-winning goal for the Titans.

“The Warriors Pre-season Invitational continues to be a fantastic event for high school hockey,” said York head coach Matt Boeing. “Bringing 24 teams together right after tryouts is no easy feat, but it’s a great opportunity for teams to experiment with lines, give goalies a chance to prove themselves, and identify areas to focus on in practice before league play starts.

“It was exciting to see all the SHL teams perform so well, moving through the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship rounds. Green had some hot starts after their first game, and we learned just how critical those opening two minutes are going to be this year. Momentum shifts, especially after goals, will play a key role.

“As we look ahead to the season, it’s clear we’re in for another fiercely competitive year. Carmel looked strong, GBS is stacked with offensive talent, GBN’s power play is lethal, and New Trier … well, New Trier is New Trier. Adam is a great coach and continues to build a force of a program.”

Boeing added: “It was a great tournament with great teams and great times. We’re looking forward to what should be an exciting season.”

Green outscored its six tournament foes a combined 39-6.

“To put up the number of goals that we did, particularly against the teams we did it against, is what we are looking for and what we want to see,” Cheris said.

GBS goalie Thomas Preston had a 2.20 goals-against average in his five tournament games, the most games played of any netminder.

Wyatt Schmidt posted a 1.00 GAA in his four games.

“This is the start we wanted,” Cheris said.