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Hockey looks back on lessons learned after inaugural division 1 season

DeKALB — The Huskies are reflecting on their inaugural season at the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division 1 level and talking about expectations for next season.

Before the season started, Head Coach Mike Rucinski realized NIU’s first season at D1 would be about building the program’s foundation. With 18 of the 22 players being new to the team, the second-year coach knew it would take time for the players to mesh.

The team’s 6-26 record was reflective of that, but Rucinski thinks losing is a necessary part of the process.

“I think in order to win, you need to learn how to lose,” Rucinski said.