In its last matches of the season, Illinois (20-7-4, 61 pts.) takes on Cincinnati (20-5-3, 63 pts.) for the first time ever. The Bearcats boast a strong offense and goaltending, meaning the Illini could be in for a challenging weekend.
Final matches alter Illinois’ focus
After missing the cutoff to advance to the playoffs, senior forward Gregory Etingen said the team has shifted its mindset toward finishing the season strong.
“We haven’t played them (Cincinnati) before and don’t know much about them,” Etingen said. “We’re just focused on our own game and making sure we play our brand of hockey.”
With only two games remaining, the emphasis has turned to consistency and ending the season on a positive note.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
In Cincinnati’s previous two matches against Kentucky, the teams split the weekend. Cincinnati took match one 4-2, while Kentucky won 5-2 in game two.
The Bearcats’ top goal scorer, freshman forward Connor Lemmerbrock, has 58 points in 26 games played. Lemmerbrock’s 58 points rank fifth-best among all Division I players this season. Illinois’ top goal scorer, Etingen, has 44 points in 29 games.
Cincinnati is a high-production team in terms of scoring. Illinois must play well defensively and generate scoring chances to perform well this weekend.
Illini share memories of season
As the season comes to a close, several players reflected on their favorite memories from this season. Sophomore forward Carson Mitchell picked Illinois’ shootout win over Purdue Northwest in November as a high point.
“It was really high emotion, and everyone was just so hyped and happy,” Mitchell said. “It’s one of those moments that you remember exactly how you felt during it.”
Etingen couldn’t pick just one favorite memory from this season. He said that road trips and celebrating sweeps are memories he’ll take with him after college.
“Those are the most fun moments and the memories I’ll remember forever,” Etingen said.
Similarly, Etingen is grateful for the bonds he’s made with each of his teammates in his senior year. When asked who’s made the biggest impact on him this season, he said that he couldn’t pick just one person.
“We had such a special group, and I’m grateful for each and every guy,” Etingen said. “This has been my favorite year of hockey in my four years here, and the biggest part of that is the guys in the room.”
Mitchell, meanwhile, developed a strong connection with graduate student forward Ross Jaldung during his time with the team.
“While he was only here for one semester, I was lucky enough to get to know him as a person and get to play with him for a majority of the first semester,” Mitchell said. “He was such an amazing teammate and person, and I’m just grateful for the time that we all had with him, even though it was short-lived.”
This weekend’s matches
The Illini are set to host the Bearcats on Friday and Saturday, with both games scheduled for 7 p.m. at the University of Illinois Ice Arena.
Friday night will feature Illinois’ annual “Teddy Bear Toss,” with all donated stuffed animals benefiting The Family Room in support of families with foster children.
On Saturday, Illinois will honor its senior class as they take the ice for the final time in their collegiate careers.
