The Illinois hockey team has learned its lesson. Or so it says.

The Illini (17-8-2) have made a habit this season of overlooking opponents, but both players and coaches say that those thoughts are gone with just four games left until the CSCHL League Tournament. This weekend brings Division II’s Southern Illinois (Edwardsville) to the Big Pond for a pair of games.

“We’re not really in a position to take anyone lightly,” head coach Nick Fabbrini said. “We’ve already lost to a Division II team this year.”

The defeat Fabbrini referred to was Illinois’ season-opening loss to Division II Michigan State, a 5-4 loss in a shootout. 

Coming off of a sweep at home of No. 13 Iowa State, the Illini have won three straight games. While it might not seem like much, Illinois went through a stretch earlier this season in which the team split five straight weekend series. The main difference has been the Illini’s improved play in the defensive zone. After struggling in that facet for much of the season, Illinois has allowed just three goals in the past three games. 

“We clearly have the talent advantage,” forward Nick Stuercke said. “It’s all about coming to play, though.”

The highlight of the weekend series will be Saturday night, when the Illini are hosting the second annual “Paint the Pond Pink” event. The event supports the American Breast Cancer Foundation as well as the Caitlin Bull Foundation. 

Not only is the crowd going to be pink, but Illinois will as well. The Illini custom-made pink jerseys to wear Saturday night and then will auction them off after the game. 

The Caitlin Bull Foundation was created after Caitlin Bull died following a two-year battle with cancer in 2009 at the age of 20. Her foundation supports treatment for those with cancer in the Chicago area and proceeds from an auction of the pink jerseys will be donated to the foundation.

Fabbrini knew Bull’s father, the owner of Gunzo’s Hockey Headquarters, a place where Fabbrini had worked when he was 17.

“He wanted to create a way to honor (Bull’s memory),” Fabbrini said. “I think it’s a great way for us to give back.”

The team also made pink Illinois hockey T-shirts for sale and those proceeds will all benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation. While last year’s event was a success — raising over $5,000 — the team says this year will be even better.

“We’re hoping to raise more money than (last year),” Stuercke said. “This year should run more smoothly, we actually know what we’re doing.” 

As for the games themselves, the Illini have a bit of familiarity with the Cougars. In last year’s games, the Illini dominated the first game 10-2 but had trouble earning the same result in the finale, winning by just a 2-0 margin.

This year, the players are hoping for a more consistent effort on and off the ice.

Stephen can be reached at sbourbo2@

dailyillini.com and @steve_bourbon.