BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (Grossinger Motors Arena) -- The Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team took on Rochester College once again on Saturday, Oct. 7. ISU was looking to steal a series sweep to sweeten the deal on Friday’s victory. The key player for Saturday’s game as well as an important player in previous game was Robert Kalata who scored twice on Saturday. Kalata opened the scoring on Friday and scored the first goal of the game on Saturday as well.

The Redbirds had a fire within them after last night’s win as they started the game off strong. ISU scored their first goal of the game on a power play, as Kalata got the game started with assists from Andrew VanDyke and DJ Mussey with six minutes remaining. Despite this goal for the Birds, Rochester was quick to reply with one of their own just 30 seconds later.

Illinois State started off the second period with a goal by Connor Boscaccy just 2:30 in with an assist from Trevor Hansen. However, Rochester retaliated with a goal of their own to tie the game up once more just five minutes later. The Birds played strong defense to keep the game at a stalemate for the remainder of the second period. With three minutes left Rochester got a penalty, but cleared it to maintain the tie.

While playing some 4-on-4 hockey in the third period Dan Addie scored with an assist by Kalata to give ISU a 3-2 lead. Rochester than received another penalty with 14 minutes remaining which set-up Kalata for his second goal of the afternoon. Both teams were given another penalty as tensions rose with eight minutes to play in regulation. Once again playing 4-on-4, DJ Mussey added to the Birds lead with assists from Hansen and Boscaccy. This sealed the deal for the Birds as they earned the series sweep against Rochester and won 5-2.

What’s Next?

You have many chances to see your Birds play this upcoming weekend as we have games Thursday-Saturday. The Illinois State Division II team will be at home on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. in the Pepsi Ice Center. You Division I team will be back at it on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. also in the Pepsi Ice Center, as well as Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Grossinger Motors Arena.

Written by: Megan McCabe