Goldblatt had a similar opportunity against the Trevians in the Blackhawk Cup championship game Saturday before 5,355 fans at the United Center. This time he converted with 37.6 seconds left to force overtime.
Teammate Trevor Biebrach’s goal 68 seconds into overtime gave Glenbrook North back-to-back state titles for the first time since 1984-85.
“I thought about at Christmas when … I missed the net; it just flashed before my eyes,” said Goldblatt, a co-captain. “I just ripped a shot on goal and saw it go in the goal and just went crazy.”
Co-captain Brian Rooke assisted Goldblatt’s goal. Adam Goldblatt dished to Biebrach for the game-winner.
“This was a very special moment,” Biebrach said. “I’ll remember it my whole life.”
Glenbrook North goalie Will Dodge stopped 29 shots.
North’s Daniel Carroll tied the game 1-1 at 11:23 of the third period, converting on the power play off an assist from Kevin Memolo.
“We thought coming into this game that we’d have the advantage in the first period,” Dodge said. “We had been here last year, and we were looking to come out fast, but … it didn’t happen.
“The third period was just unbelievable. That’s GBN hockey, offensively and defensively. It was the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life.”
The Spartans (58-8-2) trailed throughout and struggled offensively in the first two periods. Kage Brown scored the Trevians’ first two goals. His second gave New Trier (41-14-3) a 2-1 edge with 1:27 remaining in regulation.
“I thought we had the win, but we couldn’t close it out,” he said. “I know all the momentum shifted right when they scored. I knew that it wasn’t looking up. Our team was completely down.”
