They’re talking three-peat at New Trier Green as the back-to-back state champions are deep in experience and a likely team to be skating next March at the United Center, yet again.

            The Trevians are a mature, senior-heavy (18 of 23) team, with four lines of offense and three pairs of defense that “can match up and play against anyone in Illinois,” said Green head coach Adam Cheris, in his 16th season coaching, his seventh at New Trier and his third as the Green head coach.

            “This team can go all the way. We are strong in all areas and the group has already formed a tight bond. (There is) lots of potential this season.”

            The Trevians must “stay healthy and focused,” Cheris said. “We can be our own worst enemy at times, and we will have to learn to overcome when things are not going our way.

            “All I hear is how strong every (SHL) team has gotten so, like last season, any team can win the league. There is so much talent throughout and many teams have new players coming in from AAA and Central States who will have an immediate impact. Every team has to be ready for every game or they (will) come out with a loss.

“There is not a team (in the SHL) that I am not worried about playing.”

And yes, the Trevians skate with a large bullseye on their jerseys – in every game.

“We expect the best out of every team we play. We know they get up even more for us. This is challenging to deal with each year, but it does help us find our top game for the stretch run,” Cheris said. “It is wild just how different things are each year. Our teams had totally different types of players the last two years and we had to figure how to win with each group. The only common thing between our last two teams was that once we found our identity, our bond, we knew we were in serious contention. The goal this year remains the same: find the bond.”

The Trevians welcome three key newcomers: center Ethan Baker, defenseman Nolan Naggatz and defenseman Chase Marino.

“The biggest difference (this season) is depth. We do not have a fourth line or a third pair of defense as all our players are strong and can handle any scenario. There is a lot of skill and, if we find the right chemistry, we will be tough to beat,” said Cheris, 54.

The Trevians’ offense is talented and will create many good looks. The defense is highly skilled and very strong.

Three-year Green goalie Wyatt Schmidt is “as talented and seasoned as they come,” Cheris said. “Wyatt will carry the load for us and should be among the top in every statistical category. He is backed up by Mark Pauly who has proven to be a very strong goalie over the last few years at New Trier.”

Breakout Player: Keep an eye on Ethan Baker, who joined the Trevians after skating AAA hockey “and looks like a difference maker,” Cheris said. “He combines size, speed and skill and goes 110 percent all the time. We are excited to see how he does and how it makes some of our other top producers even stronger.”