The Illinois hockey capped off its series against Northern Michigan with a win on Saturday, blowing the Wildcats out 11-2.

Illinois started off slow for the second straight game, only managing nine shots in the first period and taking a slim 1-0 lead into the second.

The Illini busted it open in the second period, scoring four goals with two coming off the stick of forward JJ Heredia, who would finish with a hat trick and an assist on the night.

In the third, Illinois scored six more times with the goals coming from a variety of players. Forward Pat Saliba had a point and an assist in the third, while forwards Daniel Cohen, Matt Jennings, Mike Ursitti, Nick Stuercke and defenseman Joe Cardona each chipped in a goal.

Illini goalie Ryan Woulfe got his first career start, only giving up two goals.

Lost in the barrage of scoring was defenseman Brad Hoelzer’s two assists. The points moved Hoelzer to the top of the Illini’s all-time points list for defensemen.

The Illini will play its next game on Friday, Oct. 24th, at home against Western Michigan. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.