After dropping four games in a row, the NIU hockey team rebounded over the weekend with wins of 7-4 and 10-4 over Robert Morris College-Springfield.

Right out of the gate, it was clear the Huskies offense was in fourth gear, posting an early 4-1 lead in the first period. The second period swung the momentum to RMCS, as the Eagles tied the game up 4-4.

The swing didn’t last long as the Huskies found their first period offense in the third, posting three goals on their way to the 7-4 victory.

Mike Sible and Mike Strumberger each had a hat-trick for the Huskies in the win.

Game two was another offensive showcase for NIU.

The team once again came out of the gates with a 4-0 first period lead. They added two goals in the second period and took a commanding 10-4 lead in the third period with four more goals.

Goalie Tim Benham allowed four goals on 27 shots to pick up his first collegiate victory in game two.

Chris Bednarek posted a goal and three assists on the weekend.

Sible and Strumberger paced the offense with another hat-trick each. The duo accounted for 12 of the Huskies’ 17 goals over the weekend.

“Despite the second period on Friday night, the team showed great character,” Sible said. “A weekend like this offensively should really boost our confidence for next weekend’s games.

The Huskies will play this Friday and Saturday in Rockford against Eastern Illinois. They will return to West Dundee the following weekend on Nov. 7 against Missouri State University for NIU Hockey Greek Night.

There will be a fan bus available for transportation to West Dundee.