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by Adam Long
On Saturday, December 5th, the D2 Saint Louis University Billikens took their four-game winning streak to Ames, Iowa to play the nationally ranked D1 Iowa State Cyclones in a two game series. The Bill’s understood that ISU would be a tough opponent, requiring everyone's best effort. The Billiken players would not disappoint. In front of a sizable crowd on Saturday night, SLU and ISU fought for three entertaining periods providing good, fast-paced hockey.
The first game started off on a solid pace, with end to end action. SLU Freshman Wade Booker was then able to silence the crowd with an early goal. Booker was able to take a wobbling puck and snap it over the goalie's shoulder. This proved to be a big morale boost for the Billikens. Minutes later, Phil Blackwood then capitalized on a breakaway to make the score 2-0 SLU. This offensive burst was supported by the solid play of goalie Trey Spiller. Ultimately, ISU would out shoot SLU 64-17 so Spiller would have to come up big throughout the game to give SLU a chance.
The Bills continued their hard play in the second period. The team was focused on finishing their checks in an effort to slow down a faster Cyclones team. Unfortunately, in the first few minutes of the 2nd period, the Bills got into some penalty trouble. ISU immediately capitalized with a power play goal. That goal got the crowd back in the game. ISU then added two more goals to make the score 3-2. With the momentum swinging towards the home team, SLU captain Ryan Wood initiated a tough fore-check. This pressure led to a turnover in front of the ISU net. Wood then picked up the loose puck and fired it into the top right corner tying the game at 3-3. The Bill’s were back in the game. The second period ended with ISU leading 4-3. The mood of the Billiken players was not panic but excitement to get back on the ice and take takeover game.
In the third period, SLU had several scoring opportunities but were unable to tie the game. Goalie Trey Spiller continued his stellar play, giving the Bill’s the opportunity for a comeback. ISU was finally able to pick up their 5th goal with about six minutes remaining making the final score 5-3. After the game the ISU coaches admitted to being surprised at the level of SLU play. This effort gave the Billikens confidence as they entered the 2nd game Sunday afternoon.
Following the hard fought game Saturday, SLU came out playing tough on Sunday afternoon. The Billikens physical intensity along with the play of goaltender Trey Spiller resulted in a 0-0 score at the end of the 1st period even though ISU outshot the Bill’s 16-3. In the 2nd period the trend continued with the Bill’s playing physical but ISU was able to increase their shot advantage to 36 – 5 and net 2 goals. The 3rd period was similar to the first two periods with the Bill’s working hard but unable to generate enough offense. ISU added 3 more goals and won the game 5-0 outshooting SLU 54-14. Afterward, Coach Ewen and the Players all agreed that this level of work-ethic would be essential for the remainder of the season as the team competes for a playoff position and a spot at the regional tournament. The Billikens now take a break for semester finals and the holidays. The team will next be in action January 8th and 9th against Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Fl. The next home games will be January 15th and 16th at the Webster Ice Rink vs. Robert Morris College- Springfield.
For more information go to the Billikens’ website - www.billikenshockey.com
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