The men’s club hockey team improved their home record with two wins against University of Wisconsin.

The ’Cats took the ice in a two-game series against Wisconsin Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23. NMU tallied seven goals Friday night to claim the victory, 7-2.

Junior right wing Ben Hughes said the team was prepared to play NMU hockey.

“It was nice playing back home,” Hughes said. “We came into the locker room with a positive attitude and ready to play.”

The ’Cats closed the series on Saturday with a 6-3 win to outscore Wisconsin 13 goals to five over the weekend. The ’Cats improved their standings to 12-10-1 overall in the men’s Division II ACHA.

Sophomore defensman Dalton Carter said the weekend was a success.

“It definitely felt we got into a good rhythm,” Carter said. “When we get into that rhythm it feels like we control the pace of the game.”

In the Central Division, NMU ranks sixth overall with 25 total points. Waldorf College sits above NMU with a record of 11-8-3 and 25 points.

The ’Cats now prepare for the weekend two-game series against St. Cloud State University, ranked 11 in overall standings with a record of 10-3-1 and 21 points. St. Cloud has played 14 games thus far compared to NMU’s 23.

“I feel like it’s going to be a lot of hard work,” Hughes said. “They’re a strong team, but I don’t think it’s going to be anything we can’t handle.”

During winter break, the men’s team will travel to contend against RMU Chicago (Maroon), Northern Illinois University and Grand Valley State University.

The ’Cats have a brief break before playing  St. Cloud State University at home at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Both games will be played at the Negaunee Ice Arena.

Carter said playing again this weekend at home is always a plus and an advantage for the team to be well rested.

“We need to come out and play our game,” Carter said. “We want to control the pace of play and not let St. Cloud dictate how the game goes.”