Tom Connell netted a hat trick and DJ Kohler and Nick Pecoraro combined to shutout St. Louis University in an 8-0 rout Saturday night. The Illinois hockey club swept the weekend series with the Billikens and improved their record to 13-0-0 with the victory.

The Illini dominated puck possession from the outset and forced the visitors to play defensively throughout the game. A commanding 5-0 lead after two periods allowed Pecoraro, the Illini’s third goaltender, to make his debut for Illinois in the third period. The freshman made eight saves in the final period to preserve Illinois’ fourth shutout of the season.

After eight straight weeks of play, the Illini now have a two-week break in their schedule before returning to the Ice Arena to take on Western Michigan on Nov. 30.

For the complete story, be sure to check out Monday’s edition of The Daily Illini.