In the history of the men's ice hockey program, the Lions had never gone through the Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL) undefeated in a season, but that changed Saturday night with a 3-2 win over Illinois on the road.  The victory put the finishing touches on a perfect 16-0 conference record. 

Lindenwood started quickly in the game as Colin Long lit the lamp just over three minutes into the first from Steve Brancheau and Neeco Belanger.  Both Brancheau and Belanger helped on the second goal scored by Bret Morrell later in the period to give the Lions a 2-0 lead.  But Illinois controlled the second as they held Lindenwood scoreless and picked up two goals on the power play to even the contest.  With the game and the perfect conference season hanging in the balance, Grant Gorczyca scored the key goal of the game on the power play from Jeremy Meletti and Niklas Bunnstedt with 14:59 left in the third.  Lindenwood used solid defense and goaltending to hold the Illini scoreless in the period and hang on for the win.  The Lions outshot Illinois 29-17 on the night and goalie Kent Henry stopped 15 of 17 shots to earn the victory.

Lindenwood ends the regular season with a 27-4 record overall.  The Lions will travel to Athens, Ohio February 17-19 for the CSCHL playoff tournament.  After winning the semifinal game against Robert Morris (Ill.) last year, Lindenwood was stunned by Ohio University 4-0 in the finals.