February 19th, 2003 - Watching Illini hockey over the years, there are always a few games that you anticipate and look forward to, the first game of the season, the Alumni games, the Iowa State and Minot State games, and then there is one game you almost hate to see come around and that game is almost here, the last home game of the year and senior night. From a fan perspective this has been a phenomenal year, the team with a record of 32-1, ACHA #1 ranking, CSCHL Season Champs, CSCHL Playoff Champs, Broken team and individual records, awards and trophies out the wazoo, outstanding play after outstanding play, no one could ask for anything more out of a great group of guys. Over the past few months I have gotten to know some of the team, they put up with my emails and questionnaires, and they've even put up with my pesky kids running around them asking for autographs on shirts and cards, or just bugging them for no reason at all before or after the games, and they are always great about it. Who ever said that hockey players were a gruff bunch of uncouth thugs on skates has obviously never met the members of the Illini Hockey team. This week we will have to say good-bye to quite a few of these members as Saturday night will be their last game as a team on Illini Ice.

These players are: #2 Tom Ennessy whose defensive play is much like his truck, sleek and powerful. #3 Dan Lynch, one third of the captains core and one major part of the teams outstanding defense. #6 Jeff Condis, the quiet forward you need to watch out for. #7 Luke Carlson, his speed and agility are one reason he is one of the teams all time scoring leaders. #9 David Vargas, I think Dan said enough in the Captains Lounge, but another outstanding defenseman. #11 Brian Tilden, The Captain of this great team as well as an Illini points leader. #18 Joel Superfine, the other third of the captains, a scoring leader and hard hitter who other teams will be glad is gone. #27 Todd Chrustowski, one of the Illini's  points leading defensemen.  And last but not least, #32 Kyle Mulvey, a checking machine that the fans love, and who will ever be able to fill the void he leaves in the Illini penalty box.

  It's been a great year to be an Illini Hockey fan, so lets get everyone to come out to show our appreciation and pack the place to wish the team well before heading to the Nationals and the seniors good luck in their futures. We will miss you guys..