NIU’s club hockey team got what will most likely turn out to be its easiest conference win of the season on Friday.

About two hours before the Huskies’ game against the University of Iowa, the Hawkeyes called to say they wouldn’t be able to make it because they lacked a goalie.

“The players weren’t too happy about it,” said coach Bill Thorn. “They were ready to play.”

Nevertheless, the forfeit gave the Huskies their first victory of the season in their first league game in the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Huskies’ (2-1-1, 1-0) second win of the season came with a little bit of work, as they defeated the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 7-2 Saturday.

In their victory Thorn said the team played better, but still let up a little toward the end, and were heavily outshot by UW-Milwaukee in the third period. That could have been due to the fact that NIU already was up by a few goals.

In the Huskies’ victory, Jay Burns scored two goals, while Eric Dicarlo, Darcy Falliard, Bill Thorn, Joe Townsend each added one apiece.

Freshman Mark Mutton also scored a goal, and according to coach Thorn, he dished out one of the best body checks he’s ever seen.

“All the freshmen really stepped up,” Thorn said.

Thorn added that goalie Jason Matta played an excellent game, and really stepped up his game in the final period when he faced so many shots.

Though it was good to finally get a win, Thorn said a real challenge lies ahead next weekend, when the Huskies take on Umsel University Missouri St. Louis, for their second conference game of the season.

“We’ll see what happens next week … it’s a big test for us,” Thorn said.