Club hockey shocks Illinois
The club hockey team sent a message to the rest of the Central Division last weekend with a sweep at Illinois.
After a long trip to Champaign, Ill., the team posted a five-goal first period. It was enough for goaltender Troy Reuter to preserve a 5-1 victory.
“I think they took us lightly,” said CMU defenseman Bob Kelly. “They have an impressive record at home and we haven’t won a lot of games, yet. I don’t think they knew what to expect from us.”
The first period goal barrage Friday even surprised coach Dave Goldenbogen.
“(The first period) was impressive considering we had road legs from the six-hour car trip,” he said.
Even Illinois’ large ice surface, normally a home advantage, failed to deter CMU. The rink was 50-feet wider than the average playing surface.
Despite this, CMU still felt comfortable.
“We kind of felt at home there because their rink looked exactly like Finch Field House,” Goldenbogen said. “I guess we kind of got a glimpse at what it would look like if they converted it into a hockey rink for us.”
Players had different perspectives on how the ice affected them during the game. The surface gave them more room to work with, said team captain Rob Innis.
“The ice really changed the way we played the game,” he said. “With so much room, it seemed like people were holding onto the puck a little longer.”
Reuter, on the other hand, said it took some time getting used to.
“The primary concern for goaltenders is angles,” he said. “Normally you can find yourself in net by looking at the boards. The ice surface was so wide you had no clue where the scoring angles would be. It took some time getting used to.”
With a five-goal cushion, Reuter settled down quickly, making 26 saves. His one goal came on a deflection from the blue line.
That game was followed up with a 5-4 win Saturday.
Saturday’s win marked the debut of goalkeeper Mike Jakubik.
Though Jakubik allowed four goals, his teammates were impressed with his play, especially fellow netminder Reuter.
“He did well stepping in for his first time playing,” Reuter said. “It will take him awhile to get used to playing in the system.”
Kelly also was happy with Jakubik’s performance.
“I thought he played a strong game,” Kelly said. “I think he is a big asset.”
Jakubik finished the day with 25 saves.
Another factor in Saturday’s win was goal scoring, with its fourth five-goal performance of the season.
Chris LaPan netted his team-leading fifth goal and added two assists. Other goals came from Brad Zielke, Todd Perry, Chad Pipkens, and Rob Heyboer.
The power play also was effective producing two goals.
The 4-3 team will play next weekend at Grand Valley State.
