The Illini hockey team dominated Michigan's club team in their season opening weekend, winning both games by scores of 11-1 and 7-2.

Illini captain Jim Rogers led the way, scoring four goals and five assists over the course of the weekend.

Three of four freshman skaters recorded their first points as Illini. Freshman forward Marshall Chubirka scored his first collegiate goal Friday.

Tom Fullerton also had his first goal as a member of the varsity team Friday after spending two years on JV.

"I didn't even see the shot, but when I heard the crowd go crazy, I couldn't believe it went in," Fullerton said. "It was awesome. I've never played in front of a crowd like this before."

Illini hockey general manager Erik Turngren estimated the attendance at 1,500 on Friday.

On Friday, Illinois jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead by scoring all four goals within four minutes in the first period; two were power-play goals.

Michigan yanked their starting goaltender, Justin Spurlock, and were able to get one goal back on the power play 31 seconds later.

Illinois went on to score seven unanswered goals and out-shot Michigan 45-24 in the victory. Goaltender Tim Danlow finished the game with a 96-percent save percentage.

The Illini came out sluggish at the beginning of Saturday's game, allowing Michigan to score first.

"When you beat a team handily the night before, you can't give them any life," said Illinois head coach Chad Cassel.

The team rebounded with a short-handed goal by Brian Coleman. Rogers scored twice, 23 seconds apart, to finish the first period with a 3-1 lead, and the Illini were able to hold on to win.

Officials also called 100 penalty minutes for both teams, including three 10-minute misconduct penalties. In the game, Illinois had 54 minutes worth of penalties called against them.

"The officiating (Saturday) was the worst officiating I have ever seen in my eight years of coaching here," Cassel said.

He said the calls were bad both ways with no consistency and felt bad for the fans because the frequent breaks in action killed the flow of the game.

Freshman goaltender Mike DeGeorge had his first victory as an Illini Saturday and made 32 saves on 34 shots.

"He held us in there and made key saves for us at key times to turn the game," Cassel said.

DeGeorge said he had a great time on the ice, and with the offensive power the Illini have, he hopes the team can win a championship.

Even with the large margins of victory, Cassel said the team's penalty killing "still needs a lot of work." New players are still learning the system and have not adjusted yet, he said.

After last year's loss in the Final Four at the American Collegiate Hockey Association national tournament, Rogers said the team has high expectations for themselves.

"I think we have a lot to work for," Rogers said. "But it's not going to be easy. We can be back up there again."