Several Illinois players were already looking forward to next season, but now they have even more reason to do so. Senior center Alexander Matveev will return in the fall, providing a huge boost to what was already shaping up to be a strong offense.
Veteran presence
Matveev finished second on the team in points last season (33), just behind freshman forward Carson Mitchell (35). He was tied for the team lead in assists (19) and was third in goals (14).
Now that Matveev, known as “Sasha” to his teammates, is back on board, every Illinois multi-goal scorer is set to return next year. His veteran presence will be essential for the younger forward core.
“Sasha is a great example for our players on and off the ice,” said head coach John Opilka. “He comes to the rink every day with his best effort and pushes the players to compete in practice.”
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The center will be the only Illinois player with American Collegiate Hockey Association playoff experience next season. He was a member of the 2021-22 squad that was bounced in the opening round of that year’s tournament.
Tough road back
Illinois has not returned to the national championships since that season. It will be slightly tougher for the team without a divisional affiliation. The team saw this season end with a first-round pummeling that showed it still has some work to do.
“Obviously not the ending to the season anyone wanted,” Matveev said. “It’s disappointing that we weren’t able to make the national tournament, and there were a few must-win games where we couldn’t find a way to win.”
The Illini looked tantalizingly close to a contender at times this season; the team was even briefly ranked. An inconsistent first half proved to be their downfall. Illinois went 8-3 in 2025, and if it can keep up that level of play next season, a spot in the national tournament may be in its future.
It’s not quite that simple, however. While the offense should have no trouble keeping pace, the defense is losing much of its senior leadership. Goaltending will be taking a hit, too, with only freshman Grady Sulkin set to return next season.
No matter what happens next year, the offense should provide enough entertainment alone. There should be plenty of high-scoring contests as the Illini attempt to return to the national tournament.
Matveev, for one, is looking forward to the ride.
“I think we’re headed in the right direction, and every year for the last three years, we’ve gotten consistently better,” Matveev said. “I’m excited for next year.”
@BrendanGallian
