Saint John's sophomore forward Matt Colford (Champlin, Minn.) opened the 2016-17 season with a five-point weekend, all first assists, as SJU went 2-0 at the MIAC Showcase. The 2-0 start is SJU's first since the 2004-05 season.
He was named the MIAC Men's Hockey Athlete of the Week Oct. 31 for his performance.
Colford registered two assists, including the lone helper on senior forward Kevin Becker's (Roseville, Minn.) game-winning goal 9:18 into the third period, in the 5-2 win over Gustavus Adolphus Oct. 28. He served as the lone assist on SJU's first goal 5:13 into the 5-2 win over St. Olaf Oct. 30, and assisted on two power-play goals in the final 4:23 of the game. Colford played in all but one game (26 total) and posted 16 points (6g/10a) as a freshman last season.
Seven of SJU's 10 goals on the weekend, and three of Colford's five assists, were recorded in the third period.
SJU received votes in both the USCHO.com and D3hockey.com national polls released today (Oct. 31).
The Johnnies open MIAC play with a pair of games at Concordia this weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. puck-drop on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Moorhead Sports Center. The two teams end the series with a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Nov. 5.
