This weekend, Illinois (8-3-1, 25 pts.) takes on McKendree (7-11-0, 16 pts.) in two matches on McKendree’s home ice. The former divisional foes haven’t faced off in over a year.
Keeping streak alive
After suffering a four-game losing streak, the Illini are back to their winning ways. The team is currently riding a three-game winning streak and hopes to keep it alive this weekend.
“It definitely feels good for the team to string some wins together,” said sophomore forward Carson Mitchell. “We had a rough patch for a couple weeks, so winning three games in a row is a good confidence builder going into the rougher part of our schedule.”
Dads Weekend wins
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Illinois spent Dads Weekend in the rink, competing against Rutgers (5-7-0, 16 pts.). The Illini took both matches, winning Game 1 3-0 and Game 2 5-2.
After the winning weekend, Illinois players got to celebrate and spend time with their fathers. Following Saturday’s match, players and their dads watched the World Series together.
“It was good for the team morale and good to get to know everyone’s dad on a more personal level,” Mitchell said.
Defensive struggles
In preparation for this weekend, the Illini have focused their efforts on their defense. Mitchell says the team’s defense has been lacking in recent weeks.
“The main focus this week has been working on coverage down low in the defensive zone,” Mitchell said. “Also producing at even strength since we have struggled to do that the last few weeks.”
Mitchell continues to lead the Illini with nine goals, while senior forward Gregory Etingen trails behind with seven. Sophomore goaltender Grady Sulkin was in the net for the Illini in their matches against the Scarlet Knights and now has a .935 save percentage in five games this season.
For the Bearcats, sophomore forward Jacob Begich is the top goal scorer with 11 in 17 games played. Senior forward Matias Alexandrov leads the team in assists with eight in 16 games.
McKendree’s three goaltenders all have seen significant playing time this year. Senior Greyson Skirpan leads the group in games played (7) and owns a .892 save percentage. Senior Dylan Dallaire and freshman Mason Haselhorst have spent six games each in net this year. Dallaire has a .926 save percentage, and Haselhorst carries a .916.
The teams are set to tangle at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex in O’Fallon, Illinois. Game 1 takes place Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Game 2 commences Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
