It has been less than a year since Jim Rogers and Brian Coleman last laced up their skates as members of the Illini men’s hockey team, but both were back on the ice wearing Illinois sweaters last weekend.

After celebrating Illinois men’s hockey club’s first ever American Collegiate Hockey Association National Championship as seniors last year, Rogers and Coleman returned to their old stomping grounds with many other former Illini hockey players and coaches for the club’s Annual Alumni Weekend.

The club welcomed the former Illini back with a handful of festivities, including a luncheon at the Illini Union, an “old timers” game and a get-together with current Illini players after the team’s win against Michigan-Dearborn last Saturday night.

“Some of the guys working up in Chicago I don’t really get to see,” Rogers said. “Most of us guys are spread apart, so having them back is like old times.”

Even though it has been a less than a year since Rogers and Coleman have stepped on the ice as players for the Illini, both wish they were back on the ice with their former teammates.

“You want to be out there because of last year and winning it all,” Rogers said. “But now you’re done so you just have to lend your expertise and try and help the players not make the same mistakes that we did.”

Rogers – last year’s team captain – finished his career at Illinois as one of the program’s top players with 167 total points during a span of 130 games and was a fan favorite for many.

“I miss playing in front of the fans,” Rogers said. “Whenever you get announced here they go nuts, and when they are heckling the other team it makes it all the better when you are out there playing.”

Although Rogers may not be playing for the Illini, he is still connected with the team. Rogers and former teammate Brett Duncan joined the Illinois coaching staff as assistant coaches after last season.

“The difference between coaching and playing is patience,” Rogers said. “You see things a little differently when you’re on the ice. Trying to mold the players into the future stars of the team is harder than just going out there and putting the puck in the net.”

Like Rogers, Coleman was looking forward to being able to come back to Champaign to see his former teammates for the weekend.

“It’s fun to come back and hang out and see how the team is doing,” Coleman said. “It was good to play a little hockey with some guys you used to play with and have a good time. I’ve missed the fans and the locker room. Just being in the locker room with the team before the games, and even practicing everyday, as weird as it seems.”

Although Coleman was a very successful as player, finishing his Illinois career with 187 points in 137 games, he chose not to pursue hockey after graduating. He just started a new job with a medical supply company, but he hasn’t left the game completely.

“I’ve been playing a little men’s league hockey,” Coleman said. “It’s a lot different intensity level with men’s league. It’s just pick-up hockey for fun, whereas Illinois is intense and full force for 60 minutes. Men’s league is just something to do to get out of the house for some fun.”