Illini reign supreme against Huskies
By Carson Gourdie, Contributing writer
November 16, 2019
Behind an aggressive Illinois offensive attack and superior size and talent, the Illini were able to coast to two easy victories over Northern Illinois at the Ice Arena, outscoring the opposition 22-5 over the weekend. In their first year as a Division I program, the Huskies have struggled against the ...
Illini test defense against Cyclones
By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer
November 8, 2019
After weeks of hard-fought battles and facing some of the most elite club hockey teams in the nation, Illinois returned home to face Maryville. With continued defensive improvement and a breakout weekend from freshman forward Zach Hayes, who scored four times, the Illini were able to dominate the Sai...
Illini hockey’s defeat follows big win
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
October 29, 2019
The Illini weren’t flying high into the Chicago Classic after losing four out of their last five games and registering losses to several of the top club hockey programs in the nation. Despite dropping the first game of the tournament to No. 3-ranked Minot State, Illinois bounced back in the finale o...
Illinois takes on Minot State in Chicago Classic
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
October 23, 2019
After dropping their last two games to the No. 3-ranked Lindenwood Lions, the Illini look to start fresh and put an end to their recent skid at the Chicago Classic, a two-game weekend tournament played at Fifth Third Arena, the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice facility. But the tournament presents new...
Lindenwood overpowers Illinois club hockey in weekend series
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
October 21, 2019
The Illinois club hockey team took on Lindenwood this weekend in a battle of two top-10 teams. However, the competition didn’t live up to the hype for the Illini. The opening game of the series was a heavyweight bout, with both teams dishing out physical hits while still getting some shots on goal. ...
Illini split series against Bronchos
By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer
October 14, 2019
Illinois traveled to Edmond to take on Central Oklahoma for a two-game series, its first road trip of the season. After two hard-fought battles, the Illini split the series, falling victim to the Bronchos in game one before exacting revenge in game two. Both games featured an offensive shootout with...
Spartans fall from grace against Illini
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
October 7, 2019
Despite outscoring the Spartans 11-2 in regulation, Illinois (3-1) split its two-game series with Michigan State (3-1), winning the first game 10-1 before losing the second game in a shootout 2-1. The first game on Friday started off on a high note for the Illini. After back-to-back thrilling one-poin...
Kolaz trains for championship season, career
By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer
October 3, 2019
The buzz surrounding Illinois hockey is electric this season. Coming off of a winning season that was ended by champion Minot State, Illinois is confident it can get even better. With eight out of ten of their returning scorers back for another season, the Illini are expecting to compete at championships. A...
New coach, program conquer adversity
By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor
September 16, 2019
The Illinois men’s club rugby experienced a few setbacks at the start of head coach Joe Rasmus’ first year at the helm of the program. The Illini started the fall season in Belleville, Illinois, facing off against the Lindenwood Lynx. A David versus Goliath situation, Illinois held its own against ...
Champaign Melee team wins $9k
By JJ Kim, Assistant Sports Editor
August 28, 2019
Following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2017 and a fourth-place finish in 2018, the Illinois club Melee team won the CSL Smash finals at Shine 2019, defeating Texas A&M University and taking home $9,000 and bragging rights. Nate “Foxcapacitor” Kranjc helped boost the team to victory ...
Men’s club volleyball finishes second in National Championships
By Jared Farmer, Staff Writer
April 25, 2019
A roller coaster is meant to flush out the full range of human emotion. One instance of terrifying anticipation is followed by a euphoric release of adrenaline as the ride drops — or the opposite, for those who don’t like roller coasters. In sports, everything is a roller coaster; careers, individua...
‘When we come together, we’re 100 percent’
By Jared Farmer, Staff Writer
February 21, 2019
It’s 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday. The University of Illinois Ice Arena is still filled with youth hockey players. The Illini hockey team finished practicing hours ago, and by this time, the youth practice is starting to wrap up, too. Parents have already arrived, all of whom are waiting to bring their kid...
