BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (Pepsi Ice Center) – It was Friday the 13th and the Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team took on Oakland University. After a late third period goal from Jacob Ambrosat to force overtime, the Redbirds fell in a shootout.

The first period started off rough with Oakland opening the scoring just five minutes into the contest. ISU had two power plays in the first period, but Oakland was able to best them and keep the Birds scoreless.

The second period started with 4-on-4 play as both teams received a penalty at the end of the first. While 4-on-4, Oakland added to their lead to make it 2-0. Oakland’s defense continued to give no opportunities to the Birds for the first half.

However, the Grizzles made a mistake when they took a five-minute penalty for a rough hit on the Birds. This gave ISU the advantage they needed as Trevor Hansen scored a power play goal, with assists from Robert Kalata and Connor Boscaccy. Unfortunately, ISU would end the period with a too many men penalty that would carry into the beginning of third.

Period three started with ISU clearing the too many men penalty as well as two others that they would receive one after the other. Oakland then made the mistake of taking two penalties 20 seconds apart to give the Birds a 5-on-3 advantage, that Robert Kalata capitalized on, with an assist from DJ Mussey.

With the game tied, ISU was given a penalty following their goal, but since Oakland had two penalties up the play would go to 4-on-4. All penalties were cleared and the Grizzles scored to take a one goal lead at 3-2. ISU was not ready to give in yet as Jacob Ambrosat scored an unassisted goal with two minutes left pushing the game into overtime.

ISU started overtime off with a one-man disadvantage, but cleared it for Oakland to take their place with a one-man disadvantage. However, this proved fruitless as the five minutes ran out and the game had to be solved by a shootout, where Oakland won.

What’s Next?

The Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team seeks revenge on Oakland University on Saturday, October 14 at 1 p.m. in the Grossinger Motor Arena.

Written By; Megan McCabe