March
05, 2008 - First it was CSCHL Regular season champs for the Illini,
then CSCHL playoff champs,and now you can add undefeated, 38-0-0, ACHA Division
I National Champions to their title. From the start of the season the Illini
had their eyes on the prize of being national champs, and tonight after a long
hard fought season, that prize is theirs to enjoy.
The Illini came out looking strong against Lindenwood, controlling the puck well,
and with a Lion's player in the box for a hooking penalty, the Illini were ready
to take take advantage of the situation. However after blocking an Illini shot,
Lindenwood's Larry Kopecky had other ideas in mind as he streaked down the ice
towards Mike Burda in net for the Orange and Blue, and with a quick flip top
shelf, the Lions grabbed the early lead less that halfway through the period.
On the same power play, and less than a minute later, senior Drew Heredia would
once again even the score, sending the puck past the Lion's Grahame Lippert,
tying the game at one. The Illini would get one more power play chance in the
first period, and once again they would convert, as a shot from senior Alex Park
would bounce off Lippert to the side of the net where Daniel Cohen took up residence,
and finding the opening, lifted the puck top shelf into the Lindenwood net, Jason
Nemeth also assisting. In the second period The Illini's Drew Heredia would net
his second goal of the game, busting up a Lindenwood power play and racing towards
the Lion's net, slipping the puck past the goaltender to give the Illini a two
goal lead. With just over 30 seconds left in the period, Lindenwood put on a
rush, and with both teams scrambling in the Illini zone, Travis Bokina would
send the puck towards the net, through traffic, which would find it's way past
Burda, making it a one goal game once again. Another power play chance in the
third period would give junior Tom Connell the chance to give the Illini a little
more of a cushion, and he did just that, netting a goal near the halfway point
in the period, Johnny Liang getting the lone assist. The Illini would smother
Lindenwood's offensive attacks, and even with their goaltender pulled in the
closing minutes of play, the Lion's would come up empty, giving the Illini the
4-2 win and the National Championship title.
Special recognition would also be awarded to a few of the Illini players as Brad
Hoelzer and Johnny Liang were all named to the First Team all Tournament, Mike
Burda was named to the Second team all Tournament, and Drew Heredia was named
Tournament MVP.
Congratulations to the Illini on a truly outstanding season.
