The first season for NIU D-III men’s hockey came to an end this weekend at the Robert Morris University challenge cup.

In the first game of the tournament, the Huskies (13-12-1-1) faced the host RMU-White Eagles (5-25-1). The Huskies fell short against the Eagles, losing 7-4.

NIU, who hadn’t played a game in three weeks, fell behind 4-0 after the first 20 minutes of play and the Huskies weren’t able to come back.

“The biggest thing was we hadn’t played a game in a while and we just came out really flat in the first period and gave up a couple goals early,” said John Lyne, NIU D-III hockey coach. “We took some penalties that we probably shouldn’t have and that cost us the game. We played really well in the second and third periods. It just wasn’t quite enough to get us back into it.”

NIU senior and captain Pat Giannini said the team can’t afford to put themselves in such a big hole early in the game.

“We played the second and third period very good, some of our best periods this year,” Giannini said, “Unfortunately, we can’t rely on two periods to win games. We need to play all three hard.”

Saturday, the Huskies (14-12-1-1) rebounded with a 6-3 over the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans (6-6).

Five different Huskies put the puck in the back of the net in the victory over the Titans. NIU senior forward Tommy Hogan was the only player to have multiple goals in a game.

Lyne said his team did one thing better offensively Saturday that allowed them to earn the two points.

“We were moving the puck really well today, making some good passes, especially in the offensive zone,” Lyne said, “We were able to find the open guy and the back door goals. We were able to put in pretty easily today.”

NIU sophomore forward Jon Pounds said that as a younger guy on the team, it was important to send the seniors out on a positive note.

“For some seniors, it’s the last competitive game they’re going to be playing,” Pounds said, “So even the sophomores, freshman and juniors should do it for them. To show them a little respect and go out with a win at the end of the season.”