Hockey sweeps league opponent in bloody contest

By Tony Donisch

The Illinois hockey team beat up Eastern Michigan more than on just the scoreboard in a 10-1 win Saturday night. With a little more than one minute left in the game, a string of hits after the whistle gave way to a full-out brawl with all players, including the goalies, throwing punches.

In total seven players were ejected, three of them Illini – Andy Betourne, Brandon Goldblatt and DJ Kohler. Suspensions are sure to follow.

Jordan Pringle, Jason Nemeth and Brad Messersmith led the scoring with two goals each on the night. Johnny Liang and Brad Hoelzer each pitched in with three assists. Nemeth added two assists, as well, and now holds sole possession of fifth place on the all-time Illini points list.

Following the victory, the Illini head into a month-long break with a record of 16-2-0 overall and 9-1-0 in the CSCHL.