The NIU hockey club defeated Southern Illinois at Edwardsville with great ease, winning 15-4.

The 15 goals were the most this season. The last time NIU scored more than 10 goals in a game was against Washington University at St. Louis, when the Huskies scored 12 goals in both games.

“We had minimal penalties, and we capitalized on our opportunities,” said Mike Smigiel. “They were kind of weak. They had a weak goalie.”

Goaltender J.P. Michaels stopped 15 shots but let all 4 goals get past him. Eric DiCarlo led the Huskies with 4 goals and 2 assists. Billy Karr, who played in his first game with the Huskies, scored 3 goals.

With one more conference game remaining against Robert Palmer this weekend, the Huskies look to capitalize on its tie for first place in the Mid-American College Hockey Association. NIU is tied with Bradley, Illinois State and Missouri-St. Louis.

The Huskies beat Bradley in all their meetings this season, split two games against Missouri-St. Louis and lost all their games against ISU. With a victory over Palmer, the Huskies would almost guarantee the conference title

“This match is really important,” Smigiel said. “This is our last conference game. There are five teams vying for four spots. We have the upper hand. We can solidify our own spot. We hold our own destiny.”