Hoosiers dealt 1st loss of season

The IU men's hockey team split games last weekend, tallying its first loss of the season. \nThe Hoosiers lost their first game Friday but won the second game Saturday against Lindenwood University, currently ranked No. 7 in Division I. The split put the Hoosiers at 5-1-2 on the season.\nIU kicked off the first game with a goal from freshman forward Casey Christensen. But the team struggled the rest of the game, losing 7-3. With the referees strictly calling obstruction rules, 66 minutes of penalties were assessed with 15 power-plays for Lindenwood and 17 for the Hoosiers. The Lions scored six of their seven goals on the power-play, which helped them win the game. \nThat statistic did not go unnoticed by the Hoosiers.\n"Friday's game came down to us taking too many penalties," senior forward Reed Schafer said. "It is tough to beat a team when you're in the box a lot."\nUnlike the Friday night game, the Saturday game involved only nine power-plays for each team. Neither team was able to score during those power-plays, and the Hoosiers were able to win 4-1.\n"We dominated them in five-on-five play," Schafer said. "All of our goals Saturday came in five-on-five play. That really shows the depth of our team and our ability to wear a team down."\nThe net-minding of goalie Craig Butler was a big factor in the Hoosier victory. The freshman started and made 37 saves on 38 shots.\n"I was really nervous since this was a good (Division I) team," Butler said. "But I had a good warm-up and was able to relax. Saturday, our defense gave up low percentage shots so it was easier for me."\nThe Hoosiers start their league play against Ferris State University at 9:15 p.m. Friday and 2:15 p.m. Saturday at the Frank Southern Ice Arena in Bloomington.\n"We have to start our league play against a pretty good team," Schafer said. "We have to keep going right into the heart of our schedule."\nButler has a more simplified plan.\n"We have to take each period and each shift one at a time," Butler said. "If we win those, then we win the games"