Redbirds Say Hello to Everyone and Answer Questions in Season Opener Against Bradley.

The 2021-22 season was the most succesful season for the D2 Redbirds since the 2015-16 season.  The Birds made the Central Regional playoffs last year for the first time since then.  Defeating the Bradley Braves in OT before being defeated by Adolphos Gustavas.

The team lost seven Seniors from last season so many questions needed to be answered about this year.

Many of those questions seem like they have some answers after a dominate 9-2 victory over MACHA Gold rival Bradley.

Question:  Where will the scoring come from?  Answer:  Everywhere.  Eight different goal scorers.  All four lines.  Panos, Lewis (2), Carroll, Rabkin, Grigg, Braun, Garcia.

Question:  Will Andy Meyer come back from his season ending injury from last year.   Answer:  Yes.  Despite all the scoring on the Redbird side, Meyer was the player of the game.  Saving 21 of 23 shots.

Question:  Who will be the top players and top lines?  Answer:  Not sure there is an answer.  Coach Hernbrott stated “I’ve told the team, our competition this year is not our opponents.  It is each other.  We are such a well balanced team.  Every player, every line and even each goalie, has the ability to raise the bar of expectations.  Any given game, each of them have the capacity to lead this team.”

Question:  Can this team make it back to Regionals.  Answer:  At first glance, the answer is Yes.  Unless they go straight to Nationals.