By Ross Forman - The rivalry between Benet Academy and Providence Catholic is fierce and competitive, to put it mildly, especially in recent years, with the teams tied in their six Kennedy Cup Finals showdowns for the prestigious bragging rights in the Chicago Catholic Hockey League.

“Both sides really don’t like each other, but that’s what makes it so much fun. It’s always a great atmosphere and an amazing feeling beating them, especially in the Kennedy Cup,” said Anthony Klos, a 3-year Benet varsity defenseman whose career highlight was scoring the game-winning goal in the deciding game of the 2020 Kennedy Cup Finals, which led to him earning the playoff MVP trophy.

Ashley Ommen isn’t your typical goalie, nor does she bring a traditional goaltending style. She isn’t a butterfly goalie, nor does she play overly aggressive or overly passive. She is just a blend of everything.

“I play the shot as I judge appropriate,” Ommen said. “I play aggressive when needed but can play deep as well. I can play the puck, but also will stick to the crease. I can play as a butterfly goalie and use my post to seal up down low, but also can play on my feet and cover the top part of the net."

PREP was riding along late last season with one of the best teams in club history. They had a 14-5-3 regular-season record in the Champions League of the North-Central Division and with 31-points finished in a 4-team tie for first place. PREP earned the No. 2 seed in the Illinois High School Hockey State Tournament, only behind Maine Township. PREP – a mix of players from Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Elk Grove – defeated the Cobras handily in their first state game, then faced No. 10-seed Lincoln Way. But PREP was upset, falling 2-1 to end its dream season and desire to finally skate at the United Center.

Senior Jack Muir is a solid, steady defenseman in his third season on the Glenbrook South varsity team. He is a right-handed shooting team captain with, in reality, limited experience on the blue line.

Muir, 18, played wing, usually off-wing, for most of his career. Then, in his first season playing midget-level hockey, he traveled to Tampa, Florida for a tournament and his team had multiple injured defensemen. So, Muir volunteered to play defense, “and I loved the position,” he said.

She’s the co-op Evanston captain and a 4-year varsity player, yet Jennifer Maguire is still looking to improve, always. She wants to up her skill level and has been working hard on her skating, puck protection and puck handling.

“I take advantage of every ice-time opportunity, trying to help our team get as much out of this season as possible,” she said. “I think I play a smart, well-positioned game. I am, for the most part, in the proper position and always am trying to think two plays ahead.”

A freshman defenseman last season for the York JV, Daniel Costabile scored his first goal of the season on Dec. 1st, in the championship game of the annual Stevenson Thanksgiving Tournament, helping the Dukes defeat the host Patriots, 5-0. York outscored its tourney foes 32-4 en route to the title.

Katelyn Polovin attends Deerfield High School and plays left wing for the Lake Forest Scouts and has played on the team all four years of high school. During her Freshman and Sophomore years, she also played for the Falcons and during her junior year played for Wilmette.

Her favorite high school hockey memory occurred during her Sophomore year when the Scouts played in and won the Founders Cup championship. She credits her Dad as having the biggest impact on her hockey career. She notes, “My dad has always been supportive and has coached me most of my life.”

Katelyn also plays lacrosse in the spring, is a lifeguard, and tutors kids in English and social studies.