The weekend of fall break brought victories for the Saint Louis University hockey team.

On Oct. 19, the team opened with a game against the Western Michigan University Stallions.

The Billikens struggled early with the Stallions. Bills’ coach John Bosch said that the team talked after the first period about how sluggish they were, and how they wanted to “stay unbeaten in their home rink.”

The Billikens were much more aggressive in the second period and did a better job keeping the puck away from the goal.

The offense was stronger and sharper. The hard work paid off in the form of three goals by the Billikens.

The first was scored by Jordan Janes, assisted by Chris Kellogg. Sophomore, Matt McComy, scored the second goal, assisted Kellogg and Janes.

The third goal was scored by Todd Peden, assisted by captain Tim Niedbalski.

“Peden had a strong game, and John Gissy, (Jon) Zimmer and (Al) Lordo did what they could and worked as hard as they could to shut the other team down.

The third period brought continued energy and control. Janes scored again, assisted by Kellogg and Niedbalski; Niedbalski added another, assisted by Janes.

“I was confident with the defense and we almost scored on an empty net. We had a freshman [Schuessier] start in the goal and we won with a freshman in the goal,” Bosch said.

“Kellogg, Niedbalski, and Jordan are one of the best lines in the ACHA. Give them a week or two, and they will prove this,” Bosch said. And defensively, “John Malaney provides speed: Matt Fischer is steady without many mistakes: Brian Clinton had the puck in deep and made a big defensive move in the last few minutes.”

The final score was 5-4. Saturday night the Bills again came out strong and beat the Stallions 4-2. They went in wanting to win both games at home, and they came out with two victories.

The hockey team is in home action next weekend on Nov. 9 and 10 against Purdue.