Redbirds Split Games in Return to Ice
Written by Dylan Skeen on January 24, 2024
Image courtesy of Illinois State University Hockey
NORMAL, Ill. – As Illinois State students return from winter break, the hockey season continues with a D1 doubleheader against the #10 ranked University of Mary. The D2 team also played a pair of games against Adrian College, and D3 took on Marian University with a Friday game.
D1 would struggle in their first game against the University of Mary, losing big 7-1. However, the Redbirds held strong for game two, winning 3-2 off of two goals by Ethan Chesney to split their weekend.
D2 would also struggle in their first game, losing 7-3 to Adrian. But D2 would unfortunately not be able to hold as strong as D1 did, giving up 55 shots and losing 7-3 for the second time in as many days. The only positive from the dreadful weekend was Brian Bucholz scoring his first collegiate goal.
D3 looked to take on Marian twice, however due to a scheduling error they only played for a Friday game. The D3 birds would make a statement, winning 4-0. Along with the win, goalie Matt DiFilippo got his first collegiate shutout and defenseman Aaron Englebretsen scored his first collegiate goal.
Next weekend looks to be another busy one for the Redbirds. D1, D2 and D3 all will travel to take on doubleheaders, with D1 facing Midland University, D2 facing Indiana Tech, and D3 facing Central Michigan University. ISU Roller Hockey will also travel to St. Louis to take on Lindenwood, Purdue and Kansas State.
