Your Illini Club Hockey Update

The Illini hockey team got it handed to them over the weekend (much like this Illini player versus Iowa St.), dropping both games 3-2, 3-0 to Ohio and losing their shot at the CSCHL title. Both nights early goals doomed the Illini. Friday night Ohio had two on the board before most people took their seats. With sixteen minutes left in the first period, the scoreboard read 2-0 and Illinois was in trouble. The Illini would pull it back to one by the end of the period, but the game winning goal came on a power play in the second period for Ohio. Saturday night if was more of the same, early goals beat the Illini with the game winner coming just 5:08 into the first period.

The losses drop the Illini into a second place tie with Lindenwood in the CSCHL standings. It will also more than likely lose the Illini their #1 position in the ACHA poll (next poll comes out February 16th). Looking ahead to next weekend, Illinois has its last regular season series with two home games against Robert Morris. It's your last chance to mercilessly mock opposing players on the big pond in Champaign and your last chance to see the Illini play before they head back to Athens, OH for the CSCHL Tourney and the ACHA Nationals.

So be sure to head out to the Armory Ice Arena to get your fix for the next eight months.

CSCHL Standings (CSCHL)

Illini Get Clawed by Bobcats (Illini Hockey)

Your Illini Club Hockey Update

In a typical weekend romp, Illinois beat the DePaul Blue Demons 7-1 and 9-0. Honestly, neither one of these games were ever close. I was there for Friday night's game, and it looked like the Illini were picking on a local high school team. Actually, a high school team might have done better than the Division II Blue Demons. Between the two games, the Illini managed to put 112 shots on goal to Depaul's 37. This was all just a tune-up for the Illini, as this weekend they travel to Athens, Ohio for a weekend series with the Ohio Bobcats. This weekend can decide the CSCHL champion. The scenario breaks down like this:

If Illinois sweeps the weekend, they're the champions.

If Ohio sweeps the weekend, they take home the championship.

If the two games split, Illinois needs to win one at home next weekend against Robert Morris College

Illinois has not won at Ohio since the Bobcats joined the CSCHL in 1993. The Illini roster will be at near full strength as the four members playing for the United States in the Winter World University Games returned this week after leading the team to eighth place. Unfortunately, Drew Heredia will not be available for Illinois, as he broke his ankle during the games and is out indefinitely.

One weekend to decide the championship, not a bad way to do it.

Illini Exorcise Blue Demons (Illini Hockey)

Illini Headed to Tangle with Bobcats (Illini Hockey)

Four Illini, Team USA Return from Tournament (Daily Illini)

Your Illini Club Hockey Update

Ah hockey, the excuse to yell things at people who have sharp weapons at their disposal without the fear of repercussions. Illini club hockey in particular is a pretty good outlet for that new gay joke you've been dying to try out, as the Harassing Illini can attest to on Friday and Saturday nights. Chants of "It's all your fault" "You suck" and "[goalie's name] likes little boys" ring out during this family friendly sport.

And that's why this writer could not think of a better way to spend a night on the Illinois campus.

Coming into last weekend's games against Iowa St., Illinois hockey was ranked number one in the ACHA poll. Iowa St. was close behind in the six spot and on a six game winning streak. Friday night's game was looking bleak early for the home team, with Iowa St. scoring in the first minute and chipping in a power play goal late in the first period to go up 2-0. Illinois dominated possession but couldn't light the lamp in either the first or second period, thus entering the third period still down two.

Then came the third period. Maybe the zamboni(ers? ists? meisters?) did an amazing job, maybe somebody drugged Iowa St.'s water bottles or maybe Iowa St. realized that their mascot is confusing as hell and it distracted them in the final period. Whatever it was, Illinois finally kicked it into gear.

Three goals, including the clincher with a little over two left in the game, lifted the Illini to a 3-2 victory on the Big Pond. The next night wasn't nearly as exciting, as Illinois swept the weekend series with a 3-0 win that brought them within two points of the Ohio Bobcats in CSCHL standings.

Next up? Depaul at home. For reference, it looks like their starting goalie's name is Jason.

Can you say Gayson? Awww yeah.

Hockey Remains Undefeated on Home Ice (Daily Illini)

The Harassing Illini (Home Page)

CSCHL Standings (CSCHL Standings)