Inspired by the thought of an undefeated league record, the NIU hockey club ends its regular season this week against Illinois Institute of Technology Friday.

The highly successful Huskies boast a 12-0-1 league record and a 15-1-3 overall mark. In a two-game set last weekend, the club beat Palmer College and tied Wisconson-Platteville Sunday.

The club, which plays in Rockford, is hosting the league tournament on Feb. 26 and 27 and plan on using their home-ice advantage to cap off a successful season, having already clinched a playoff spot.

“I think we should do good,” said defenseman and captain Len Edling. “We already have beaten all the teams in the league. We should win the tournement.”

The Huskies are only partially funded by the Student Association. Coach Ed Pechek said this makes the players more determined.

“As well as putting in hard work, the players also invest money in the team,” Pechek said. “This shows a lot of character in the guys.”

The first-place Huskies are led in scoring by Dave Picchietti and Drew Denoyer. The goal is tended by standout Steve Lapier, a native of Quebec. Lapier played semipro hockey while living in Canada.

“We have a lot of players who want to win, and it seems to be working,” Lapier said of the team’s success.

“The best thing to happen this year is being undefeated,” Edling said, who feels the future for the club also looks good. Only graduating two players this year, the Huskies are aiming to continue their hot streak on through next season.