New Trier White is young, skilled and hungry to repeat as AHL Champions.

“I am very excited for this season with the group we have,” said White head coach Jeremy Ellis. “This team should have three lines that can score and a defense that can join the rush and create chances in the offensive zone. We’re not as physical as last year, but we do have some thumpers who can set the tone when needed.”

The Trevians stopped Loyola Maroon 5-4 last February to claim the first AHL Championship.

They’re ready to repeat.

“Our strength should be our balanced scoring and special teams,” Ellis said. “We have a good powerplay group that understands what we are trying to do with puck possession and creativity.  We can score in bunches and have players who have a good nose for the net and get pucks to advantageous areas of the ice.”

Ellis, 50, is in his 15th season coaching, his third leading New Trier White.

Key newcomers to White include centers Jenner Laden and George Knight, plus wing Alex Rowean. “All three come from successful club programs and know what it takes to win and compete at a high level,” Ellis said.

“We have some very talented and creative players. It may take some tinkering for the first few months to create the best line combos that truly optimize everyone’s skill set. This team can score consistently across all lines and when necessary, a few players can create offense by themselves.”

Such as Charlie Cannon, “who will be key for us as he is not afraid to go to the net hard and score greasy goals, as we call them,” Ellis said. “Speed up front will be huge for us and can create turnovers from our forecheck leading to some quick goals.”

The White defense features two seniors, including Matt Brunso, “who can play physically and has done a good job of improving his shot and offense,” Ellis said. “Our younger guys are both physical and fast and (we) expect them to put up good numbers. We have good skaters who can eliminate plays in the neutral zone and can gamble a bit at times since they have good recovery speed. We encourage our defense to be offensive and to jump in the play as much as possible to create odd man rushes.”

In net, the Trevians feature Tyler Ortega and Cole Munson. 

“Tyler has a couple years of varsity play under his belt and both him and Cole have a knack for making highlight saves,” Ellis said. “Both do a great job of scrambling to stop rebounds and backdoor chances. Both can win a game when the offense has an off night. Having two very good goalies gives our players more confidence to be offensive and take calculated risks knowing they have Cole and Tyler back there.”

So how far can White go?

“Goal No. 1 is to repeat as AHL Champions,” Ellis said. “Last year’s trophy has a comfortable resting place in my study after a tour with last year’s group. We were very proud to win the league in its first year and are just as excited to go for the repeat. We want to make a good run in state with our goal always being (advancing to the) sweet 16 (round), and beyond.

“We have a group that can get to the elite eight in state.”

Ellis added: “Goals were at a premium in the league last year with great goaltending and defense across the board. This team can outscore you and win 1-0 with great goaltending. If the young guys continue to improve and get stronger as the year plays out, we will have good things on the horizon.”

The AHL is a 10-team battle this season, up four teams from last year.

More teams mean more challenges.

Ellis said White is ready.

“The league is going to be a bear this year. Last season was tough, but we only had six teams. The new teams will make things tremendously harder. There is a ton of great talent and the coaches in our league know how to get the best out of their teams.”

Top AHL challengers look to be Loyola Maroon, Saint Ignatius, Glenbrook North, Saint Viator and Glenbrook South.

“We are really excited for all the new competition in the league. Besides winning the AHL, we are always striving to go far in the state tournament,” Ellis said. “The added competition will benefit us in that endeavor.”

Breakout Player: Keep an eye on Hank Tucker, a sophomore defenseman playing his first season at New Trier. “He is a lockdown defender who is very skilled offensively. His ability to carry the mail and jump in the play will be huge for us in putting goals on the board. Hank is an excellent skater and will be huge for us on the powerplay as well.”