Everything happened exactly how Justin Agemura envisioned the sequence unfolding, like a movie in which he knew the outcome.
A senior center on the Libertyville/Vernon Hills varsity hockey team, he confronted the biggest challenge of the season in a marquee game against defending combined division state champion Buffalo Grove-Hersey-Wheeling in an outdoor game at MB Financial Park in Rosemont on Jan. 12.
Controlling the puck well left of the net, he made a brilliant hesitation move and drilled a low shot that curved in perfectly.
Even the opposition was impressed.
“I am not even sure how the second (goal) went in,” BGHW forward Connor Kelly said after the Stampede’s 5-2 victory against the IceCats.
The IceCats (15-11-1) fell behind 2-0 just eight minutes into the game. Mitchell Cox responded by burying a rebound to pull Libertyville/Vernon Hills within a goal midway through the game, which comprised two 25-minute, running-clock halves.
Within the Amateur Hockey Association Illinois, the combined division is for high school teams with players from multiple schools. BGHW won the state title at the United Center last spring.
Agemura’s creative shot tied the game at two until the Stampede’s talented players and experience under pressure made the difference. BGHW scored three late goals in a five-minute span.
“They were very fast and physical,” Agemura said. “I think because we were tied with such a very good team, we felt a little comfortable. We made some mistakes, and they were able to capitalize.”
Despite the loss, the IceCats were able to learn a few lessons. Notably, the team learned about the strength of its opponent as well as its own abilities.
“They play in a higher division and they have some players who have performed at a much higher level than we do,” IceCats coach Bobby Scott said. “What you saw out there was our kids do not back down. We have kids who just love to compete.”
A Green Oaks resident and a Libertyville High School student, Agemura is a four-year varsity player and captain who is a principal reason for the IceCats’ ability to compete against top-notch competition. He is third on the team with 26 points, and his 15 goals are tied for the team lead.
Scott is in his first year as the varsity coach of the IceCats.
“Justin is just a kid who works hard,” Scott said. “He may not be blessed with the greatest hockey talent in the world. He works hard at everything he does, hockey or school, and he has the desire and speed to make a difference for us.”
Agemura has had a personal connection to the game dating back more than a decade. As a 5-year-old he watched his father, Dan Agemura, play in recreational leagues.
“I watched a few of his games,” Justin Agemura said. “I thought it was really cool, and I wanted to try it.”
Lately, Agemura has paid special attention to his workout regimen, which includes running and developing his skating skills, as well as improving his long-distance shooting accuracy.
The process has helped fuse his talent to the demands of the game.
“I have worked a lot on learning how to use my speed,” Agemura said.
As his senior year roles along, Agemura has had time to reflect on the game he loves. He scored a hat trick in a recent all-star game as well.
“Being able to play with such great guys, the chemistry we had, getting to know them has been a highlight,” he said.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
