Bloomington, IL- The Redbirds continue their home stand against the Midland Warriors. The Redbirds were looking to continue their winning streak to 6.
On Friday, The Redbirds started with an early statement as Joe Rascia sneaked past a defender and passed it to a trailing Sean Meyer as he dangles it past the Midland netminder for an early 1-0 lead only a 1:19 into the 1st period. The very next shift, Joseph D’Alessandro feeds Cade Janecke the puck and Janecke puts it past the goaltender for his first goal as a member of D1. As the period was winding down Midland would get on the board as Brendan Donovan got beat right before the intermission making it a 2-1 game heading into the 2nd period.
As the 2nd period got underway, Midland would get an early chance but Brendan Donovan flashes his glove with an amazing windmill save. The Redbirds would see some success on the powerplay during the 2nd period, as Tim Sloan would take advantage of a Midland penalty by scoring and beating the netminder on the short side. In a sense of déjà vu, the Redbirds get a late powerplay with only 2 minutes to go in the period. Anthony Salemi continues his goal scoring ways as he beats the Midland goaltender low glove for his second goal in two games. As the Redbirds were heading into the intermission, holding onto a 4-1 lead.
Midland came out of the intermission scoring a quick one making it a two-goal game. ISU wasn’t stepping off the gas petal as Jack Kremer throws a pass down the ice for Joey Swiderski as he dives past the goaltender and the puck lands in the back of the net. The Redbirds were holding a 5-2 lead but Midland came firing back with two goals within 26 seconds of each other, making it a 5-4 game. Trevor Hilt was ultimately the deciding goal as he and Mitchell Oberlag enter the zone 2 on 1 and scoring to make it 6-4. As the game was winding down, it was clear that it was getting chippy between the Warriors and the Redbirds but it wasn’t enough as the Redbirds beat Midland on Friday. Brendan Donovan stopped 30 of 34 shots faced
On Saturday, The Midland Warriors were looking for the revenge game, while the Redbirds looked to complete the sweep. The Redbirds take advantage of the powerplay and Tony Campise scores a one timer beating the goaltender putting the Birds up 1-0 early. But Midland was soon to answer as the shot beats Mark Imburgia high and Midland ties the game up heading into the 2nd period.
Most of the 2nd period was highlighted by great goaltending on both sides, but Mitchell Oberlag was the only goal of the 2nd period scoring up close on the goaltender.
In the 3rd, Midland would score within the opening minutes of the period, tying it with over half the period remaining. As the period neared the final 5 minutes Trevor Hilt would get a great shot on net but it would be Tony Campise collecting the rebound and beating Midland’s goaltender to put the Redbirds up 3-2. Campise’s goal would end up being the game winner as the Redbirds sweep Midland at home.
In summary, D1 continues their winning streak with two divisional wins against Midland. Both Brendan Donovan and Mark Imburgia add another tally in the win column. Cade Janecke has his first goal on D1 on his first shift of the game. Tony Campise grabs a GWG on Saturday to reach 11 goals on the season. The Redbirds continue to dominate on the powerplay as three goals came on the man advantage. D1 will be preparing for the Waldorf Warriors on the road on 11/12 and 11/13.