NIU hockey made the nine-hour bus trip to Kansas University worthwhile this past weekend, as it picked up a pair of victories over its division rival.

The victories give the Huskies four straight, with all of those games being against MACHA Gold division opponents.

The games kicked off a month-long roadtrip for NIU. After losing both games in its first roadtrip of the year to Northern Michigan University, the team was more prepared this time.

“We came out ready to play,” said NIU head coach Greg Chromy. “It was a lot better this time around, as we started off strong.”

NIU led the whole way in the first game as freshman Brian Pounds recorded his first hat trick for NIU. The Huskies cruised to a 6-2 victory.

Sophomore goaltender Craig Haa was in net for both games for NIU, and the victories were also his third and fourth straight.

Saturday’s game was more evenly matched. NIU took several penalties in the game that the Jayhawks capitalized on, including one that tied the game at four with just a few minutes left to play.

After matching minor penalties in overtime, each team only had three skaters and a goalie on the ice. With just 15 seconds left in overtime, Pounds scored the game winner on his fourth goal of the weekend to give the Huskies their second straight weekend sweep.

The Jayhawks continued to slump this season, as they are still winless in their eight games played.

“I don’t think their record is indicative of their play,” Chromy said. “Early in the season they were getting blown out, but they’ve lost a lot of close games and are playing a different game of hockey now.”

The Huskies will head to Springfield this weekend for two non-divisional games with Robert Morris University.