Rookie Hockey Redbirds Continue to Impress in Shootout

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Hockey had a light weekend, with two Thursday games. D1 had 2 weekend games against #13 ranked Grand Valley State, D2 traveled to Bradley for a rivalry game, and D3 took on Missouri State at home.

D1 took the first of their two games in a nailbiter, with goalie Brendan Donovan stopping 54 shots and rookie Joey Zullo winning it for the birds in the shootout, 2-1. Game two was less close, as a big 3-goal first period by Grand Valley State led to the Birds losing 6-3.

D2 played a close game against rival Bradley, with the game tied 3-3 going into the third. Unfortunately, Bradley’s Thomas Davis would net his 15th goal in 10 games to win it for Bradley, 4-3. Goalie Payton Aldridge would make 30 saves in the loss.

D3 also had a rough Thursday night, losing 5-1 at home against Missouri State. Andrew Capuano would net his first goal of the season in the loss, as D3 still searches for their first win of the season.

The redbirds have a busy week upcoming, as D1 travels to the University of Toledo for 2 weekend games, D2 takes on the University of Illinois at home on Thursday, and D3 travels to NIU for a Friday and Saturday Game.