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The men’s hockey team hit the road to Minnesota last weekend, facing Concordia College-Moorhead and St. John’s University.

Friday, the Blugolds defeated Concordia 6-3. Both teams entered the game with the same record, 2-1-1. Penalties played a big role in the win with four of the Blugold goals came out of power plays.

Senior Jamie Minor scored the first goal for Eau Claire, with the help of an assist from senior Tim Murphy. After Concordia tied the game, sophomore Chris Hunter and sophomore Ben Manny each scored in the second to give Eau Claire a 3-1 lead. Murphy added an unassisted goal in the third, followed by freshmen Rob Quimette and Greg Harris.

Senior goalie Jon Walker played his first game of the season in place of junior Scott Sutton on Friday and showed that Eau Claire has a variety of defensive weapons.

“This team probably possesses the best goaltending duo in the NCHA,” coach Marlin Muylaert said.

Saturday night the Blugolds defeated St. John’s 6-2. Eau Claire scored three times in the first period. St. John’s countered with two in the second to cut the lead to 3-2, but the Blugolds increased their lead in the third, scoring three more goals.

Sophomore Mark Jalcovik had two goals in the first period for Eau Claire, and Minor had a goal and two assists for the Blugolds.

Sutton was back in goal against the Johnnies, making 24 saves in six games to bring his season total to 148. Sutton was coming off a week where he was named the Student Athlete Advisory Committee athlete of the week, and was named the NCHA player of the week earlier this year.

“It’s really important any time that you are honored by your fellow students and athletes,” Sutton said of the SAAC honor.

Sutton attributed the weekend’s wins to the team playing well together.

“Everyone worked hard all 60 minutes,” Sutton said. “It’s not just one player or one line making all the plays. It’s the whole team.”

Muylaert said the team’s success this season has come from great defense and discipline.

“We’ve got a great goalie,” he said. “And the team plays well in front of him.”