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Illini put down Stallions in weekend sweep |
December 2, 2007 - The Illini wrapped up league play for the first half of the season perfectly as they topped Western Michigan University with scores of 5-3 and 4-0, earning 8 more points in the process. That moves the Illini into first place in the league, at least briefly, tied with Lindenwood with 32 points.
On Friday night the Illini were looking to add to their 14 game win streak against the Stallions, as well as keep their current 13 game win streak alive. The Illini came out strong and dominated play, keeping the puck away from Western Michigan. The Illini struck first early in the first period as freshman Daniel Cohen picked up his first career goal with the Illini. The lead didn't last long as the Stallions scored a power play goal just over a minute later. The power play would prove to be successful for the Illini as well, as Alex Park would score his first of two on the evening to give the Illini the lead once again. The only goal in the second period would also be an Illini power play goal, this time with Nick Fabbrini leading the way. Western Michigan would put in two goals early in the third period, tying the game at three, but a rash of Stallion penalties would lead to two more power play goals, Parks second and one from Jordan Pringle, and give the Illini the 5-3 win.
Saturdays outing started out a little slower than Fridays, as the first goal wasn't scored until late in the second period. Brad Hoelzer would finally find a way to get the puck past Western Michigan's netminder to put the Illini on top, and for what would eventually be the game winning goal. Hoelzer would strike again in the third period with a power play blast the would find the back of the net. Drew Heredia would net another power play goal for the Illini just over halfway through the period which would cause the Stallions to switch out goaltenders. Andy Betourne would pick up his first goal of the season as he took advantage of an empty Stallion net with just over 30 seconds left in the game, and top off the scoring for the Illini. The 4-0 shutout win would be Illini goalie DJ Kohler's third perfect game of the season.
The Illini are currently 15-0-0 on the season, with just two more games against Illinois State left before semester break.
( Game One Box Score ) ( Game One Recap )
( Game Two Box Score ) ( Game Two Recap )