On March 9, Wheaton West won 5-0 against fifth seed Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Wheeling Hockey Club advancing to the final four for the Illinois State Hockey Championships.

Wheaton West beat the overwhelming favorite, Palatine/Elk Grove, 2-1 on March 10, securing their place in the finals. This will be the team’s first vie for the State title, which will take place against Waubonsie on March 13 at 1:00 p.m.

“Beating Prep was an accomplishment. Although they were the favored team, each of our players came out to play as a team and you could just tell how much we wanted to move on and win. We knew the game was going to be a challenge and we came ready to play for the integrity of the game. It was a well deserved win for our team, who played hard with passion throughout the playoffs, in order to make it all the way to the State championship,” said junior Tyler Bute, who has been playing hockey for 13 years, and skating for 15.

Fourth seed Wheaton West hockey is a team that consists of students from Wheaton-Warrenville South, Wheaton North, West Chicago Community High School, Wheaton Academy, and St. Francis.

The program describes its values as a single high school hockey club that focuses on excellence in the classroom, community, and on the ice. Bute, who not only plays for the team but is also involved in the National Honor Society, represents these qualities, as do the multiple all-stars at the Varsity and junior Varsity level, including junior Kaitlyn Pilon.

“Playing for Wheaton West has been a rewarding experience and a highlight of my years playing hockey. As for the dynamic of the team, it’s a brotherhood, both on and off of the ice,” said Bute.

The team has taken away conference and State titles previously. Senior Charlie Jury was a part of the Junior Varsity State champion team in 2019.

Excellence was also the theme this year as the team went 18-6 in the regular season, and are in the final four in playoffs.

Jury described being a part of the team as “fun and hopefully, it doesn’t end any other way than us in the State finals.”

Jury also said, “If we win this game, I am confident that we can win State.”

The March 13 State final game will take place at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensonville, IL. Students are encouraged to attend: the student section theme is blackout.