MARQUETTE, Mich. – No. 14 Minnesota State men's hockey polished off a CCHA sweep at Northern Michigan with a 3-2 victory Saturday night at Berry Events Center. The Mavericks (10-2-4, 7-1-2 CCHA) moved into first place in the conference standings, ahead of Bemidji State and extended their win streak to six straight games.

"It was great to get two wins on the road," said head coach Luke Strand. "Gutty performance by guys stepping up for the team. We are in the midst of a big stretch of games with a lot on the line. I'm happy for the guys."
 
After notching his 10^th career shutout on Friday, senior goaltender Alex Tracy turned aside 31 shots Saturday to keep the Mavericks unbeaten in regulation since Oct. 10.
 
Michael Burchill scored first with a wrist shot to the top corner of the goal past a screened Tracy and the Wildcats led 1-0 just past the midpoint of the first period. Freshman Bryce Strand responded for the Mavericks at 13:57 with his first career goal. Mason LeBel peeled the puck off the right wall on zone entry and slid it to Strand, who backhanded a short-side shot. It was also LeBel's first career point. Campbell Cichosz added the second assist.
 
With under a minute to play in the period, the Mavericks tick-tack-toed the puck on the power play and Tristan Lemyre one-timed his team-leading eighth goal of the season, giving MSU a 2-1 edge into the first intermission.
 
Jack Smith made it 3-1 on the power play in the second period when he shoveled this puck in on the weak side. LeBel and Lemyre assisted. Ralfs Bergmanis started the scoring chance with a slapshot from the right side. Smith tracked a series of rebounds and scored at 11:34.
 
Grayden Slipec redirected Tynan Ewert's low shot for an NMU goal three minutes later. It was the Wildcats' second power play marker of the night.
 
The Wildcats (0-16-0, 0-8-0 CCHA) pulled goaltender William Gramme with 1:30 left in regulation, but the Mavericks blocked a pair of shots in the final 30 seconds to preserve the lead. Both teams recorded 16 blocks in the game. MSU won 33 faceoffs and lost 27. Smith and Liam Watkins led the squad with five shots on goal apiece.
 
The Mavericks went 2-3 on the power play, while the Wildcats converted 2-5 with the man advantage.
 
Minnesota State returns home to host Ferris State (2-10, 1-5 CCHA) December 5-6 at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Game times are 7:07 p.m. CT Friday and 6:07 p.m. CT Saturday. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to donate for the annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday evening.