Illini invited to National
Tournament
by Erin Quinn
Daily Illini sports reporter
After an inconsistent season thus far, missing
opportunities, violating their rule to never lose
at home and not being invited to their own league
tournament, the Illini finally got lucky.
The No. 12-ranked Illini Hockey Club received an
invitation to the American Collegiate Hockey
League’s National Tournament at Minot State
University in North Dakota, beating out
Wisconsin-Whitewater by one point.
Despite the uncertainty about a tournament berth
earlier this week, the Illini said they were
still optimistic about this weekend’s games
against Northern Michigan at practice Wednesday
night. National Tournament or not, the Illini
said they were still excited to play this weekend
and even to take the 13-hour road trip.
“This weekend we just have to remember that
this is fun,” said sophomore defenseman Rick
Kohler. “That’s why we’re here.
The last couple weekends have been all about
stress and being forced to win. Now we’re
just going to play hockey.”
Because the team of 15 freshmen will only be
losing two seniors to graduation at the end of
this season, head coach Chad Cassel said this
weekend and the coming home series against
Marquette are important for the team.
“We have to continue to improve as a
team,” Cassel said. “It’s
important, no matter what happens, that we go out
on a winning note to generate positive momentum
either for the National Tournament or for next
season.”
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 Martin Sinclair The
Daily Illini
Joel Superfine, Illinois
forward, faces off against Glenn Detulleo,
forward for Iowa State University, in the game on
Saturday, January 29 at the Ice Arena. This
season Superfine has 6 goals and 16 assists. The
Illini lost 5-2.
The Illini will have 13 hours on the road to bond
as a team, think about their Friday and Saturday
night games against Northern Michigan and are now
able to think to their post-season.
“These games can only make us better,”
Kohler said. “Especially with the road trip.
Most of us are going to be together for the next
two or three years. We might as well build some
strengths now.”
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