From this morning's Daily Illini:
 
by Steve Hanf, Sports Reporter
SPRINGFIELD - Fighting Illini hockey coach Bob Turngren knew Wednesday
night's game against Division I Illinois-Chicago would be an uphill battle.
        The Illini played well and gave the Flames a fight, but mistakes
late in the first period sealed the team's fate.  The Flames skated
home from the Nelson Center with a 9-2 victory.
        "Illinois surprised us in the first period," Flames head coach
Larry Pedrie said.  "They were working and moving and weren't intimidated
by a Division I team."
        The Illini skated up and down with the Flames during a fast-paced
opening period, and each team missed on several scoring chances.  The
Illini's downfall came with five minutes left in the period when
sophomore center Rob Malstrom was called for holding.
        Flames left winger Ty Hartigan put in a rebound six seconds into the
power play to give UIC the lead.
        Junior right winger Ryan Walls made a great move on Illini goalie
Devon Huber three minutes later, putting UIC up 2-0.  Tony Kolozsy scored
with 17 seconds remaining and the Flames took a 3-0 lead into the first
intermission.
        The Illini opened the second period strong.  A goal by forward Mark
Henderson brought the Illini back within two.
        The Flames bounced right back, though, scoring less than a minute
later.  UIC extended its lead to 7-1 with another three-goal spurt later
in the period.
        Illini center Tom Radja scored the team's second goal, making good
on a pass from captain Emmett McCarthy five minutes into the third period.
        "We learned a lot from this game," Turngren said.  "These are the
first Illini players to play a Division I school and they should be proud."
        Illini goalies Huber and Sam Eaton were not as sharp as usual,
allowing nine goals on 40 shots.
        A full house will welcome the Illini back to Champaign Friday night to
battle the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks.  Tickets for
Friday's and Saturday's games are on sale now at the Ice Arena.
 
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