Goalies stand tall for Hockey ‘Birds

NORMAL, Ill. –  The Illinois State hockey program had a busy weekend as the D1 team traveled to take on the #7-ranked University of Jamestown, D2 took on in-state rival Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at home, and D3 traveled to face off against the University of Arkansas. 

D1 had a close game one, but managed to pull out a 3-2 win off of Pavel Bakhtin’s first collegiate goal and captain Tony Campise’s game-winner. Game two wasn’t nearly as close however, as the Redbirds got shutout 8-0, putting their record at an even 4-4-0.

D2 took game one in convincing fashion over SIUe, as Payton Aldrich stopped all but one shot for his first collegiate win, 4-1. Game two against SIU-E would also go ISU’s way as another goalie, Dylan Lloyd, got his first win in net, 6-3. Avery Bochenek and Tim Coggin would both score their first collegiate goal, and Rocco Ferretti would score his first D2 goal. With both wins the D2 team improves their record to 3-2 on the season.

Finally, D3 had a rough weekend against the University of Arkansas. The ‘birds would get shutout both games, losing the first 3-0, and the second 7-0. The D3 team is still searching for their first win after going 0-8 to start the season.

This coming week and weekend will also be a busy one for the Redbirds as all 3 teams will again compete. D1 will take on #13-ranked Grand Valley State at Ahome on Saturday and Sunday, D2 will have a Thursday game as they travel to rival Bradley, and D3 will stay home and take on Missouri State on Thursday as well.