Minnesota 2004 WCCHA Champs

February 26, 2004 - Well the end of another season is upon us and the two last regular season games happen this weekend as the Illini host the University of Minnesota Mens Hockey Club. The Minnesota team is just coming off of a successful league championship outing, where they were not only the WCCHA regular season champs, but the leagues tournament champs as well. Minnesota skaters have an impressive season record of 18-4-0, which includes a series split with an Illinois rival, Iowa State. The club has been also been doing an impressive job of putting the puck in the net at an average of six and a half goals per game, five games this season the team has been in the double digits. On the other end of the ice Minnesota has been allowing only three and a half goals per game which the Illini will need to take advantage of quickly.
This weekend will also be the seniors last games on home ice, and being thus they will be honored on Saturday night during the game. While not being as large of a group as last years seniors, their quality and playing ability will be missed. The list of this years seniors include Goaltender Tim Danlow, Forward Brad Eaton, Defenseman Nelson Forsberg, and Forwards Pat Olson and Kyle Zabrin. Also included in the list is current club president and defenseman Ari Aberman who will be leaving Illinois next December. So if you have enjoyed watching these guys play for the Illini over the last few years, come out and show them your support in wishing them well for their future endeavors.