As if a 38-0 season, conference title, and ACHA national title weren’t enough, the Illini hockey team will be sending two players to the first annual ACHA All-Star Game, and the honor is well-deserved for both players.

 The first is junior Jason Nemeth.  The forward from Roanoke, Texas led the national champs in scoring this year with 66 points but also did more than finding the net, leading the orange in blue in penalty minutes as well with sixty.  This was a breakout year for Nemeth.  When I talked to Coach Chad Cassel about his play this year, he said that Nemeth has really emerged as more of a scorer this year rather than someone who just sets other guys up like he had in his previous two seasons.

The next player going to State College, PA is sophomore defenseman Brad Hoelzer.  Hoelzer also had a special year, leading all defensemen in scoring with 26 points.  His play late in the season in the defensive zone, however, was what brought this nod.  He played his best hockey at the right time–the postseason–becoming a starter along to go with some other accolades.  Hoelzer was named CSHCHL tournament MVP and also was an ACHA all-tournament first team selection. 

 These two Illini will be joined by 38 other players from all over the country in the event hosted by Penn State on Saturday, March 29.  For more info on the game visit the illini hockey website.