The Eastern hockey club takes on yet another in-state rival this weekend, but this time it will have just one game as opposed to the usual two.

The Panthers host Illinois State at 3 p.m. Saturday at the David S. Palmer Arena in Danville.

Eastern is coming off two road losses to Northern Illinois, losing by scores of 13-4 and 15-2, respectively. Junior forward Adam Story led the Panthers with two goals in the first game and one in the second.

The Panthers will be back at the David S. Palmer Arena for the first time since the club picked up its first two wins of the season against Wright State. Eastern swept Wright State on Oct. 10 and 11. In the series, senior Glenn Oskvarek recorded a hat trick. The Panthers are 2-8 heading into this weekend.

Illinois State is coming off a split with Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. The Redbirds won Friday’s game 4-3 with a game-winning goal from Jeremy Gaddo. On Saturday, it was Southern Illinois-Edwardsville who pulled out the win, beating the Redbirds 7-5. Before the loss, Illinois State had won six straight games.

Following its matchup with Illinois State, Eastern remains at the David S. Palmer Arena, hosting Lewis University on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. That series will be the last time the Panthers play at home until Dec. 5 and 6, when Eastern hosts Davenport University.

In between then, the Panthers take on St. Mary’s of Minnesota on Nov. 15 and 16. Eastern and Illinois State meet again for a rematch on Nov. 20 at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington. During that weekend, the Panthers will also take on Northwestern on the road at the Centennial Ice Arena in Wilmette on Nov. 21 and 22.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].