VIDEO: Warriors Win State Title

For the second time in four years, the Deerfield hockey team won the Blackhawk Cup (White Divison) State Title by topping Loyola (Maroon) 6-2 Thursday night in Bensenville at the Edge Ice Arena.

(10-18-3 regular season record) ended the season by going 9-0-1 in their final 10 post season games.  They won the Founders Cup Metro North Conference title last Sunday by beating Loyola 2-1 in the championship game.  They topped the Ramblers for the second time in four days to capture the state title, one that the Warriors were fully confident they could win.

"It was just preparation and mental focus," Deerfield senior goalie said.  "We've been ready all week and we knew we were going to win this game.  We had no doubt in our minds."

The Warriors took control of the game from the start and never trailed.  Marc Pagano, Mike Wiggemansen, and Jacob each scored a first period goal to give Deerfield a 3-0 lead after the first.

After a scoreless second period, Spencer Delman, Wiggemansen, and Sam Rogers each scored goals in the third period to help the Warriors pull away down the stretch.

For Head Coach Chuck Rinaldo, it was his final game leading the Warriors on the ice.  After six years with the program, he is taking time away from coaching, as he and his wife are expecting their first child.

For complete game coverage and post game celebration and reaction, click on the video link above.

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