For the first time in nearly two years, the Fighting Illini hockey team walked off the ice with a defeat. Facing the Central Oklahoma Bronchos, the team failed to overcome a 3-1 deficit after the first period.

Following an undefeated campaign last year, the Illini suffered their first loss of the 2008 season.

On Friday night, the team narrowly beat the Ronchos in a 4-3 nailbiter.