BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (Grossinger Motors Arena) – Entering Friday night’s game, the Illinois State University ACHA Division I hockey team sought to prove themselves after a pair of overtime losses last weekend against University of Arkansas. In the first of two games against Missouri State University the Birds were able to find their energy after sophomore Ryan Kalata broke through MSU defense to score ISU’s first goal of the night.

ISU got off to a slow start in the first period resulting in an early deficit. Just one minute into the action the Birds took a penalty for a high-stick. Missouri State was quick to capitalize on their mistake and scored the first goal of the game. The Bears penalty kill line had success in the first period, killing two ISU penalties and scoring their second goal of the evening.

With just three minutes left in the period, Missouri State continued their scoring barrage and took a 3-0 lead over the Redbirds.

The Birds had a case of de ja vu as the second period got off to a rough start. Just one minute into the period Missouri state capitalized on an ISU penalty to take a 4-0 lead. This resulted in a goalie change for Illinois State as Marc Hayton came on to relieve Cory Wasilewski. Following the change in goal the Redbirds were able to find their groove as Kalata scored on the 4-on-4, with assists from Trevor Hansen and Anthony Corcoran.

Kalata’s goal gave the Redbirds an electric jolt because with just 41 seconds remaining in the second period, freshman Conner Boscaccy hit pay-dirt with assists from Kalata and Max Puscheck. Boscaccy’s goal cut the Bears lead in half, but still the Titans trailed 4-2 heading into the final period.

Defenses ramped up in the third period as neither team allowed the other space to score for the first 7:30. This was eventually broken when a Missouri State forward found the top shelf of the net to make the score 5-2 in favor of MSU. However, the Birds weren’t willing to give in just yet as Corcoran scored, with an assist from Ryan Glennon.

Following Corcoran’s goal, the Bears received two consecutive penalties to give the Redbirds a 5-on-3. Unfortunately for ISU they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Both penalties were cleared by Missouri State who were unwilling to give the Birds an opportunity to complete their comeback attempt.

What’s Next?

The Birds will seek revenge against Missouri State on September 16th at 1pm from Grossinger Motors Arena.

Written By: Megan McCabe