Boys Hockey: Loyola rookies have made smooth transition

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1/8/2012 Winnetka Loyola's Willy Palivos (8) backhands the puck over Glenbrook North goaltender Sam Berlin (31) scoring during the first period of the home game on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Loyola shutout Glenbrook North 2-0. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 3, 2012 8:36AM

D.J. LaVarre was unsure what to make of Loyola Gold this season.

With 16 varsity rookies, the Ramblers coach knew the team would need some time to develop.

LaVarre is happy as he can be with where the Ramblers are at this stage of the season.

“We are progressing very well,” LaVarre said. “They all had to learn to play with each other and also learn what is expected from the coaching staff and what it means to be on Loyola Gold. That not something happens quickly.

“We’ve had some peaks and valleys, but they’ve accepted all the challenges. Not a lot of people gave these kids a chance.”

The Ramblers earned the second seed behind New Trier Green in the High Sachool Invitational and beat Glenbrook North 4-2 in the quarterfinals last week. Loyola Gold was scheduled to play Stevenson on Tuesday in the semifinals. The Trevians face Barrington in the other semifinal game.

Leading the way for Loyola this season has been the team’s six veterans. Nick Schaefer, Willie Palivos, Matthe Gavula, Axel Lifvendahl, Bo Murray and Jordan Reizen have been instrumental in the team maintaining its lofty standards.

“The way this group has brought the younger kids along has been great,” LaVarre said. “It’s not something I’ve seen in a long time. They’ve done a tremendous job about understanding what it means to wear the jersey.”

Loyola went 2-2 last weekend. The Ramblers beat St. Francis 5-2 and Gilmour Academy 4-1 and lost to Lake Forest Academy 4-2 and Shady Side 5-2.

Gavula scored three goals, and Tyler Novy and Lifvendahl each added two. Reizen and Sean O’Reilly split time in goal.

Gavula and Novy, along with Jimmy Warrick, have headlined the attack this season. The backline has been anchored by Schaefer.

“He’s really blossomed and shown great improvement,” LaVarre said of Schaefer, who leads the young defense.

In the playoff win over Glenbrook North, William Lavezzorio scored twice, while Jack Hennessey and Zachary Scholl also found the net. O’Reilly made 20 saves in the net.

Loyola Gold has a trip scheduled for Ontario before beginning the Blackhawk Cup, which culminates at the United Center in March.