Hockey ‘Birds struggle over Halloween weekend
Written by Dylan Skeen on October 31, 2023
Image courtesy of Illinois State Redbirds hockey on Facebook
NORMAL, Ill. – Only half of Redbirds hockey program played this past weekend, as D1 took on the University of Jamestown for the third and fourth time this season, and D2 had two games at Drury University, with both teams playing at home.
D1 had a rough game 1, as they would get shut out, losing 5-0. Brendan Donavan would save 48 of 53 shots in the loss, as the Redbirds only managed to get 23 shots on net, all of which were saved.
Game 2 was better, as the Redbirds would score 4 goals, but it still wouldn’t be enough as they would still lose 6-4. Michael Lenhart would make 45 saves in the loss.
D2 also had a rough weekend, although their games were much closer. Game 1 would be a high-scoring affair, as the game was dominated by Drury early. Down 4-1 to start the third, the Redbirds rallied and came back to tie it 5-5 and push it to overtime. However, the Redbirds were unable to complete the comeback, as they would go on to lose in the shootout, 6-5.
Game 2 was another close game, this time a low-scoring affair, as ‘Birds would once again bring it to OT, losing again 2-1. Forward Trent Fisk would score 3 goals on the weekend, as Goalie Payton Aldrich would start both games in net, saving 65 of 72 shots faced.
It’s going to be a busy week ahead for Redbird hockey, as all 4 teams will be in action this weekend. D1 will see their first action against in-state rival University of Illinois, as the ‘Birds will take them on at home, Friday and Saturday.
D2 will also face off against another big in-state school as they travel to face off against DePaul University, also on Friday and Saturday.
D3 is back this weekend too, and they continue the trend of facing in-state schools as they take on Northern Illinois University at home, once again on Friday and Saturday.
ISU Roller Hockey is back this weekend as well, traveling to Indianapolis as they take on rival Maryville, Perdue, and Missouri S&T on Saturday, and Ohio State’s AA team on Sunday.
