Goals Galore as Redbird Hockey faces NIU, Iowa

NORMAL, Ill. – This weekend was a busy one for ISU Ice Hockey, as D1 hosted NIU, D2 traveled to face Iowa, and D3 would host Northwestern.

D1 would come out firing on all cylinders for game 1 as they would outscore NIU 3-1 in the first. The Redbirds wouldn’t let up either, as they would eventually win 8-2. 

Game two would start closer, as NIU would led 1-0 and 2-1. However, the Redbirds would score 3 in the second to fuel them to a 6-3 win. Will Tricarico, Mike Sliwinski, and Captain Tony Campise would all have big weekends for the birds.

D2 would have less luck, as Iowa would pour on the goals. The game was close through the 2nd period, as only one goal separated the Iowa lead, 4-3. However, Iowa would score 3 in the third to put them on top, 7-4. 

Game 2 wouldn’t go much better as, after again keeping it a close 2-1 game after the first, they would let up 3 more on route to a 5-1 loss. Alex Kowalczyk would be one of the few ISU bright spots on the weekend, scoring a goal and 2 assists over those 2 games.

D3 had another round of games against NIU, with game being a nailbiter and would not be able to be completed in regulation, with the score tied 1-1 going to OT. Sadly, the ‘Birds would be unable to close it out, losing 2-1 in overtime.

Game two looked to be another loss, as the Redbirds would go down 3-1 after the 2nd period. However, the Redbirds would rally off the back of goals from Gustafson, Rozhon, and Christerson to pull off the comeback win, 4-3. 

Next weekend looks to be a crazy one for ISU hockey as D1 plays Nevada-Las Vegas, Rhode Island, and Alabama for games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday respectively. D2 travels to take on Marquette, and D3 travels to face Olivet Nazarene University.