BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (Grossinger Motors Arena) – The Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team was seeking revenge against their rivals, the University of Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 30. Robert Kalata was a key player for the Redbirds as he was able to break the Illini’s shutout, as well as open the scoring for ISU.

The Illini opened the scoring as they scored a goal just one minute into the first period. U of I was quick to add to their lead as they scored again five minutes later to make the score 2-0. The Birds got their first opportunity of the game when the Illini took two consecutive penalties to give the Birds 1:31 of 5-on-3 play. However, ISU was unable to succeed and Illini cleared both penalties.

Just to prove they weren’t losing their touch, the Illini added another first period goal. ISU prevented the Illini from adding to their first period lead by clearing away a penalty to close out the first.

Illinois was quick to capitalize on a Redbird hooking penalty as they opened the scoring in the second period. The Illini were quick to follow up their scoring effort, as they scored once again to give themselves a five-goal lead. Illinois scored the second power play goal of the afternoon with six minutes remaining in the period.

Frustration was beginning to mount for ISU. Both the Redbirds and the Illini took roughing penalties later in the second. Illinois also took a two-minute holding penalty to give the Birds a 5-on-3 advantage. ISU capitalized on this opportunity as Robert Kalata scored the first goal of the game for Illinois State, with an assist from Trevor Hansen.

The third period proved to be too much for the Birds as the Illini scored a power play goal six minutes in. ISU had two more power play chances in the third period, but the Illini cleared away both chances. Illinois came away victorious by a final score of 7-1.

What’s Next?

The Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team will be taking on Rochester University on October 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grossinger Motors Arena.

Written By: Megan McCabe