Press Release: 11/7/2018

Illinois State finds themselves ranked for the second week in a row! Coming in at 23rd in the country this week! Having played the toughest schedule in the country, up to this point, has paid off for the Redbirds in earning their ranking at 1-8-1 on the season. “Sure, we would like to have won a few more games. The boys have battled hard and if you look at the standings, we’ve played #2, #4, #5, #7 and #20. Marc Hayton hand delivered a loss to #4 Davenport. We’ve only had one game get away from us. Keeping the spread tight is important and the guys have earned their ranking,” states Head Coach Bobby DiNardi.

This past weekend the Redbirds took on #21 Western Michigan. Friday’s Teddy Toss game saw Robert Kalata get the bears tossed on the ice early in the first period after a great pass from below the goal line from Cory Schwarz for the Redbirds! After cleanup, the boys went right back to work where Kalata netted another goal off a rebound in front of the net to put the Redbirds up 2-0 in the same shift. The Stallions netted one late in the first to head into break trailing the Birds 2-1. The Redbirds gave up 20 shots in the first and had 9 of their own.

In the second, the Redbirds controlled play allowing 10 shots and having 15 of their own. However, both teams were held of the scoreboard in the 2nd.

The third period had a couple of Power Plays exchanged early and Western Michigan was able to capitalize to tie the game. However, Schwarz found the back of the net just 31 seconds later from Max Puscheck to put the Redbirds back on top with 16 minutes to play. The Stallions were able to tie the game with just under 10 minutes remaining. Despite the Redbirds controlling play again, they were unable to put another on the board and headed to 3 v 3 OT. Redbird shots in 3rd were 15 to the Stallions 8.

OT saw the Redbirds scored a good goal with 2 minutes remaining to bring the crowd to their feet! However, the officials decided it was kicked into the net. The Stallions would score shortly after to make the final 4-3 in OT.

Saturday’s game was similar to Friday, as it being a close affair. However, 16 minutes of penalty time doomed the Redbirds. Special teams was not kind to Illinois State, who registered 0 for 4 on the Power Play and gave up a Short handed goal, which eventually became the game winning goal, as well. Redbirds dropped Saturdays contest 2-1.

Your Redbirds will play in the Robert Morris Showcase this weekend. The schedule does not ease up, as they will face #12 RMU-Chicago Friday at 710p, #9 Missouri State Saturday at 440p, & RMU-Pennsylvania Sunday at 11:10a. All games will be played in Bensenville, IL at The Edge Ice Arena.