The NIU hockey team set sights on going .500 after the weekend with the Eastern Illinois University Panthers.  Game 1 saw the Huskies pound 4 quick goals in the first period.  The Huskies would hold off any Panther attack for the rest of the game, defeating EIU 6-2.

The second game would tell a different story.  Coach Jim Sullivan told the Huskies, “Be ready coming into this second game gentleman, they will come out fast and hungry for a win.”  That is exactly what the story told.  Eastern was able to score two quick goals, before a power-play goal by Peter Alfano cut the score in half.  Eastern would score again with only 4 seconds left in the period to make a 3-1 lead.  NIU stepped up the defense in the second period allowing no goals, and also cutting the deficit to 3-2 on a goal by Mike Strumberger.  The third period saw NIU dominate quickly by putting the third and fourth goal to take the lead, 4-3.  Eastern did score again with three minutes left, tying the game 4-4.  The game went into overtime, where with 3 minutes left in overtime, Eastern’s leading scorer Dale Michonski, put the game winner in on goaltender Tim Benham.

Tim Benham played both games in net for the Huskies allowing a total of 7 goals in on 63 shots, for a 89 save percentage.  Peter Alfano and Chris Bednarek both had 5 points and 4 points respectively on the weekend. Nick Messing scored his first collegiate goal while U of I transfer Mike Mannina got his first goal in an NIU uniform.  The Huskies move to 6-7-0-1 (W-L-T-OTL) on the season.

NIU now plays host to #5 ranked Missouri State University this weekend at the Ice Centre.  Friday Night at 9pm is also NIU Greek Night, and a fan bus will be available for any NIU students wanting to go.  For more information please visit the NIU HOCKEY GREEK NIGHT/FAN BUS Facebook group or contact niuhockey@hotmail.com.