BLOOMINGTON, IL (Grossinger Motors Arena)- The Illinois State University Division 1 Redbirds took on the Alabama Crimson Tide Friday February 17th. This was the last home game for the 2017-2018 season for the Birds. This game was senior night as the team congratulates #3 DJ Mussey, #12 Tyler Shures, #18 Jeremy Norway, #24 Matt Mullaly, #31 Joey Garapolo, #88 Kyle Melton, and #97 Joey Bower on graduating. The player of the game was none other than senior Norway who scored half of the goals the redbirds had tonight.

First period was a rough start for the Birds as the Crimson Tide was able to get two quick goals in within the first minute. However, the Birds fought back hard, all of their shots being swallowed up by Alabama’s goaltender. Despite taking a penalty the Birds were able to fend off the Crimson Tide from adding to the lead. Alabama would take a penalty with nine minutes left, however they too would best the Birds and clear the penalty. With only three minutes left Alabama added a third goal to their lead. Bringing the period to a close, with the Birds trailing by three.

Second period saw the Birds were ready to get back in the game. They came out fighting and were able to force the Crimson Tide back onto defense. #18 Norway opened scoring up, with assists by #19 Adam Howey and #77 Dan Addie seven minutes into second. However, Norway wasn’t quite satisfied yet as not 30 seconds eclipsed before he scored again with an assist by #10 Connor Boscaccy. Thanks to Norway’s goals the Birds were back in the game, trailing now only by one goal. Alabama would take a penalty, but the Birds would not be able to take advantage of it. Then with seven minutes left Alabama would make it a two goal lead. The Birds frustration started to show through as two players took a two minute penalty to give Alabama a 5-on-3 advantage. For the rest of the period it was a Stalemate as neither team was able to add to their score. Second ended with a score of 2-4, the Birds trailing by two.

Third period was off to rough start as Alabama scored only a minute in. However, the Birds were not ready to give in as only 30 seconds later #86 Trevor Hansen retaliated with a goal of his own, and assists by #44 Robert Kalata and #89 Andrew VanDyke. However the Birds would take a penalty giving Alabama a power play goal. History repeated itself as the Birds would take another penalty allowing for a second power play goal by Alabama. The Birds would have the last word however with three minutes left #89 VanDyke, with assists by #66 Hansen and #3 DJ Mussey, scored the Birds fourth goal of the night. It was not enough however as Alabama took the win with a score of 4-7.

Thank you to all the wonderful Redbird Hockey fans who have supported the team throughout this season. We look forward to seeing you next season. Also a huge thank you and congratulations to the Redbird Seniors. We wish them the best of the luck in their future.

Written By:

    Megan McCabe