Following a three-game road stint, Illinois hockey (6-7) returns home for Dads Weekend and to take the ice against McKendree University (5-6).
The annual tradition that welcomes dads of University students from across the globe to Champaign for a weekend also extends to the team. The eventful weekend offers a special environment for the coaches, and players are excited to get to perform in front of their dads.
“This weekend definitely feels more special,” said head coach John Opilka. “I know the guys are really excited to play in front of their dads. It is usually a big weekend for us as far as getting fans to come to watch us play, so everyone is excited about these next couple games.”
Illinois dropped its last two games against Illinois State, which put its record below .500 through 13 games. With an unfortunate loss Friday night, Sunday’s game saw the team put up the fewest shots on goal in a month (16). Opilka mentioned that Sunday wasn’t ideal coming off a close game Friday, but knowing that the team keeps focusing on their process and system, they know they can win games.
“Just look at the games when we shoot the puck more,” Opilka said. “The more that we shoot, the more chances we have at scoring goals. I try to encourage my guys, and we are starting to score more goals, and it goes hand in hand with each other. You want to give yourself as many chances as you can to win the game.”
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McKendree University saw the same results as Illinois did last weekend and was shut out through two contests with Midland University. The Bearcats gave up 10 straight goals in their two games against Midland. McKendree is looking to turn it around this week as they are also sitting one game behind .500, just like Illinois.
The McKendree and Illinois matchup is a storied one, with each side earning its fair share of victory. There has been a five-year break from these two universities facing off each other, but from 2015-18, McKendree won eight of 10 matchups. Although, the last time these two teams faced in 2018, it was Illinois that came out on top of both games. Illinois looks to continue this win streak against McKendree, and the team looks hopeful heading into this week.
“It is about the same script,” Opilka said. “We are starting to realize that we play a lot better when we play the right way and play according to our standards.”
One positive from last weekendʼs pair of losses was the return of senior goalie Ben Mazurek, who was back on the ice against Illinois State after injuring his knee in late October. Opilka has seen great improvement with Mazurek during his work to return, and he expects to put Mazurek back in the lineup this weekend. Mazurek did play a little this past weekend after having a great practice leading up to the Illinois State games.
This will be Illinois’ last weekend of games before fall break, which will be a great opportunity for multiple players to rest and get healthy on top of going home and spending time with family. In the spirit of the season, Opilka touched on how thankful he is not only for this team but what the sport of hockey has brought for him personally.
“I am definitely thankful for this program. It has been great,” Opilka said. “My brother played here, and my uncle coached here so I have been around here a long time. (Iʼm) just thankful I am here around loved ones and be able to make up some time that I missed when I was away playing hockey. I am excited to spend Thanksgiving with my family after a long time.”
Illinois and McKendree will play in the Ice Arena in Champaign, Illinois, all weekend long. The puck will drop in game one at 7 p.m. on Friday, with the same being true for game two on Saturday.
@Jon_Mathew23
