Webster Groves—The Saint Louis Billikens looked for redemption during the last weekend of October, after being swept by Missouri State the previous weekend. The Billikens began the weekend in the middle of the pack in the MACHA with 6 league points. Their opponent, the Iowa Hawkeyes, intended on taking two games from the Billikens as they did last season, but SLU was ready to play Friday night, controlling the game from the drop of the puck.

            Being backstopped by junior goaltender Jason Magusiak, the Billikens took a 2-1 lead after the first period, with both goals being scored by Phil Blackwood. Blackwood appeared poised for a scoring outburst, and in the second period he netted 2 more goals for SLU. The Billikens led 4-1 after two periods. Within the first five minutes of the third period, the Billikens took a commanding 7-1 lead, after a pair of goals from senior Andrew Wiltz and a goal by defenseman Paul Goodwin. The Billikens surrendered 3 goals late in the game to make the score 7-4, but an empty net goal by Blackwood, his fifth goal of the game, sealed the 8-4 victory for the Billikens.

            Blackwood’s five goal performance was crucial to SLUs win, and after the game Blackwood mentioned the playmaking abilities of his line mates Ryan Wood and Johnny Moore. “The great plays made by my line mates made my job easy tonight. All I had to do was put the puck in the net” Blackwood said. He also pointed out the great night Ryan Wood had, with four assists on Blackwood’s goals. Moore added two assists as well to make the first line for the Billikens very impressive on Friday night. In addition, the power play for SLU found success with three goals while the Hawkeyes were in the penalty box. Jason Magusiak stopped 39 shots for the Bills. It was a convincing victory that gave the Billikens confidence as they entered their game Saturday afternoon.

            Saturday’s game was a different outcome, as the Billikens did not appear to be ready to play the game. SLU allowed Iowa to score 3 first period goals and take a 3-2 lead into the first intermission. Andrew Wiltz and Ryan Wood both scored for the Billikens. A second period goal by senior Justin Petruska tied the game at three momentarily, but another Iowa goal gave the Hawkeyes the lead for good. After 5 unanswered goals, Iowa won the game 8-3 and took an important two points from the Billikens at home. After the game, coach Todd Ewen noted the inconsistent play of the Billikens stating that he is never sure which Billikens team will show up to play. Coach Ewen said, “Right now it’s a question whether or not we will come ready to play the game.” He conceded that the Billikens need to improve their consistency, something their .500 MACHA league record would also suggest. After such a dominating performance Friday night, it was unfortunate to see the opposite take place Saturday.

            After playing no games during the first week of November, the Billikens will face the SIUE Cougars at East Alton Ice Arena on Wednesday November 11 at 7:45pm. They will then play a home and home series against the Missouri Tigers, with the game Friday November 14^th at Webster Groves and the game Saturday at Mizzou. The Billikens will look to improve their consistency and climb in the league standings. After the players have a week off from games, Coach Ewen will have the team ready to play throughout the month of November. For more information on the Saint Louis University Billikens club hockey team, visit their website at http://www.billikenshockey.com.