Illinois State defeats Ohio State, 2–0

The Illinois State Redbirds captured the MCRHL Division II Championship with a two-game sweep over Ohio State on Saturday at Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, Illinois. Powered by explosive offense and standout performances from Jack Fortuna and Zack Dawson, Illinois State controlled both games of the best-of-three series to secure the title.

Game 1 – Illinois State 13, Ohio State 7

Illinois State opened the championship series with an offensive explosion, defeating Ohio State 13–7 behind a fantastic performance from Jack Fortuna, who scored six goals and added an assist.

The Redbirds struck early when Fortuna opened the scoring just 1:17 into the game off a pass from Dylan Lloyd. Lloyd doubled the lead midway through the period before Ohio State answered with a goal from Jake Cook to cut the deficit to 2–1. Illinois State quickly regained control, however, adding two more goals before the end of the period to take a 4–1 lead.

The second period turned into a back-and-forth offensive showcase. Ohio State received strong contributions from Cook and Tyler Ebare, while Marcus Skinner helped facilitate the attack with five assists on the day. Despite the Buckeyes’ push, Illinois State continued to respond. Fortuna scored three times in the middle frame alone, while Zack Dawson repeatedly set up chances with crisp playmaking.

By the end of the second period the Redbirds had built a comfortable lead, and they continued to pile on in the third with goals from Fortuna, Vince Bono, and Dawson to seal the 13–7 victory.

Illinois State outshot Ohio State 33–20 in the game, controlling possession for much of the contest.

Game 1 Standouts

• Jack Fortuna (ISU): 6 goals, 1 assist
• Zack Dawson (ISU): 1 goal, 6 assists
• Dylan Lloyd (ISU): 1 goal, 3 assists
• Jake Cook (OSU): 3 goals, 2 assists

Game 2 – Illinois State 6, Ohio State 4

With the championship within reach, Illinois State delivered another strong performance in Game 2, defeating Ohio State 6–4 to clinch the series.

The Redbirds opened the scoring late in the first period on a power-play goal by Landon Hensley, assisted by Fortuna and Payton Aldridge.

Ohio State briefly gained momentum in the second period when Cook tied the game with an unassisted goal. Illinois State quickly responded as Hensley restored the lead just under a minute later off a feed from Aldridge. The Redbirds extended their advantage with another power-play goal from Dawson and a late second-period strike from Wyatt Hubbard, taking a 4–1 lead into the final period.

Ohio State mounted a comeback attempt in the third. Goals from Tyler Ebare, Cook, and Mateo Perales cut the deficit to 5–4 and brought the Buckeyes within striking distance.

However, Fortuna delivered the final blow with 23 seconds remaining in regulation, scoring his second goal of the game off a pass from Aldridge to seal the 6–4 victory and the championship.

Illinois State again held the edge in shots, outshooting Ohio State 31–22.

Game 2 Standouts

• Jack Fortuna (ISU): 2 goals, 1 assist
• Landon Hensley (ISU): 2 goals
• Payton Aldridge (ISU): 3 assists
• Jake Cook (OSU): 2 goals

Championship Takeaways

Illinois State’s offense proved to be the difference throughout the series. The Redbirds generated 19 total goals across the two games while consistently controlling possession and outshooting Ohio State.

Fortuna led all players with eight goals and two assists in the series, while Dawson orchestrated the offense with seven assists in Game 1 and two points in Game 2. Aldridge also played a key role in the clinching game with three assists.

Ohio State showed resilience, particularly in Game 2 when they nearly erased a three-goal deficit in the third period. Cook was the offensive leader for the Buckeyes with five goals across the series, while Skinner added five assists in Game 1.

In the end, Illinois State’s depth and relentless offensive pressure proved too much to overcome, as the Redbirds completed the two-game sweep to claim the MCRHL Division II Championship.