Redbirds Conclude Conference Play on the Ice

Image courtesy of ISU Roller Hockey

NORMAL, Ill. –  Only two hockey Redbirds were in action this weekend, as D1 took on the University of Illinois in back-to-back games, and Roller Hockey had regional their playoffs, as both end their season until nationals.

D1 started their weekend slow, as they would go down 1-0 in their first game. Both teams would score in the second, but the Redbirds would explode offensively in the third, scoring 3 goals to match Illini’s 1 to send the game to extra time. Overtime would see no winner, but in the shootout, Redbirds Jaycob Bland and Ethan Chesney would score to win it for the Redbirds. Jaycob Bland would score two goals in addition to his shootout goal, and Mike Sliwinski would grab 2 assists in the win. Goalie Larkin Dolan would also get his first collegiate win in net. The second game would mirror the first, as after going down 1-0 in the first, the Redbirds would have another dominant third period scoring 4 goals to win 4-2 and sweep the weekend. Jaycob Bland would score another 2 goals, and goalie Michael Lenhart would save 59 out of 61 shots in the second win. D1 now waits until March 7th to face Grand Canyon University for Nationals.

ISU Roller Hockey finished their season this past weekend as they traveled to St. Louis for their conference playoffs. They would split their round-robin games, beating Missouri S&T 14-12, and then losing to rival Maryville 9-2. The Redbirds would then enter the semi-final round, where they once again beat Missouri S&T, this time 13-11. Forward Shane Dotto would score an absurd 7 goals in the win. Finally, the ‘Birds would compete in the MCRHL championship against rival Maryville. The game was back and forth, with the game tied 4-4 going into the third period. However, Maryville would score 3 goals, defeating the Redbirds 7-4 to win the championship. Roller Hockey now also waits for their nationals, which is in mid-April.

Next weekend there is no ISU hockey, as other than nationals all their seasons are officially over. A special story will come out for nationals, but other than that, that wraps up your 2023-24 ISU Hockey season.