Kent State’s ice hockey team defeated Iowa State, but lost to Illinois and Ohio at the Central States Collegiate Hockey League playoff in Illinois.

Kent State started the playoffs on a good note with a tough win against Iowa State on Friday.

The Flashes came out strong in the first period with goals by Chris Hourigan and Josh Martin. Iowa State’s Brent Cornelius gave the Cyclones their first goal.

Both teams scored one goal in the second period, and finished the period with Kent State leading 3-2. Iowa State came back strong early in the third period with a goal by Mike Lebler, tying the game. Kent State’s Chad Melberg scored the final goal of the game midway through the third, and Kent State won 4-3.

Saturday, Kent State played against Illinois. The first period started off slow, but with less than two minutes left in the period Illinois’ Drew Heredia scored the first goal. Illinois pulled further ahead in the second and lead 2-0.

Illinois scored again in the start of the third period, but Kent State’s leading scorer Eddie Martin gave Kent State its first goal. With 35 seconds left in the third, Tom Connell scored Illinois’ fourth and final goal of the game making the final score 4-1.

The Flashes took on Ohio Sunday after losing to them just one week ago in Athens. The Bobcats led in the first period after scoring two goals. But Kent State’s Stu Smith came out strong in the second, scoring the Flashes first goal. Followed by another goal from Ohio’s Billy Hemann, the period ended with Ohio leading 3-1.

The Bobcats finalized their win with another two goals in the third period, winning the game 5-1.

Kent State will make its second consecutive appearance in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division I Championships being held in Rochester, N.Y., in two weeks.

Contact student recreation and wellness center reporter Pamela Crimbchin at [email protected].