The NIU men’s club hockey team went into Michigan this weekend and escaped with two hard fought games and a 0-1-1 record.

On Friday night the Huskies fell 7-4 against Midwest-power Grand Rapids State, in a game where goalie J.P. Michaels faced 58 shots.

NIU managed an 8-8 tie in its game against Muskegon College on Saturday. Erick Dicarlo scored a goal for the Huskies with five seconds remaining to avoid a potential 0-2 start for the team.

Lack of practice was a factor coach Bill Thorn considered a problem in the loss to Grand Rapids.

“I thought the boys played well considering the competition and the amount of experience we’ve had together,” Thorn said.

Thorn did point out a bright spot in the team’s loss: J.P. Michaels’ 51 saves on goal.

“J.P. played a hell of a game on Friday,” Thorn said. “… We just kind of let down, and they took advantage of us,” he added.

Leading scorers for the Huskies this weekend were Dicarlo, who had three goals and two assists between both games, and Eric Doersam, who finished with one goal and three assists.

The Huskies’ next game is at home against Iowa on Oct. 19. League play in the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association begins in three weeks.

“We still have to learn to play with each other a little bit,” Thorn said. “We also have to play consistently for three periods, but that will come.”