Turns out it takes four years to cool off a hockey feud.
A matchup that has been long delayed because of an altercation off the ice is finally set for a rematch this Wednesday as the Lake Forest Scouts face Libertyville for the first time since their last encounter in October of 2021.
As the eagerness builds ahead of Wednesday’s game, Varsity Head Hockey Coach Steve Sarauer emphasized the excitement of the rivalry.
“The long-standing rivalry with Libertyville has been reignited. Players from both teams have expressed their desire to see this matchup return each season, and both organizations are excited to officially renew the tradition,” Coach Sarauer said.
A week prior to that 2021 game, the Varsity football team went out West and dominated Libertyville 56-19 in their homecoming game. That game may have added to the existing tension between the schools. The following week the Scouts hockey team traveled to Vernon Hills to play against the Wildcats and continue their winning streak against Libertyville.
As fans arrived at the game, chants and provocative language were being passed back and forth. Students from both sides of the glass were drawing on stereotypical portrayals of the opposing community, making the situation more heated.
Senior Eliza Carrabine, attended the hockey game when she was in the eighth grade to support her older brother.
“Walking in it was a lot more hostile than any other hockey game I have been to. Libertyville kids packed the stands from the last row to the glass,” Carrabine said. “When my mom and I had to walk through that to get to our seats, they were berating us with insults, and it was definitely overwhelming. Even though it was kind of crazy, it was still really exciting.”
Lake Forest kept the winning streak alive with a final score of 5-3. The energy was high following the game. As the Scouts’ fans exited the arena, entrances were blocked off by Libertyville and Vernon Hills students.
The situation quickly escalated, with as many as 40 students from both schools initiating multiple fights. Students were getting slammed into doors, and some conflicts spilled outside as students tried to rush to their cars safely––while others were pursued by those looking to continue the violence. A Lake Forest student was injured during the brawl.
Vernon Hills police officers responded but no one was charged. The news spread quickly as videos and stories of the fights spread all throughout Snapchat and Instagram drawing more attention and deepening the rivalry.
Now, four years later, the rivalry will resume––sure to revive some memories from the past.
“This game is long awaited. After the fight four years ago it didn’t reflect well on our school, but I heard there will be lots of people going so it will be a high energy atmosphere which we are looking forward to,” senior hockey player Jake Maraccini said. “Libertyville is pretty good this year so it will be a close game.”
Coach Sarauer clarified that the inappropriate behavior was between the fans and not the players on the ice.
“The players have always competed with intensity and respect, and that remains the true spirit of this rivalry. We encourage all students and fans in attendance to support their teams with pride while also showing respect to the athletes and students from both schools,” Sarauer said.
Stay tuned for the long-awaited rematch this Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Lake Forest College and “pack the barn!”
