By: Patrick Mchugh, News Staff

Hello new Huskies, and welcome to Northeastern. Here’s hoping that NU gives you the four- er, five- best years of your life.

It is my belief that athletics are an integral part of every student’s college experience, so consider this a guide to life as a Huskies fan. Here’s what you need to know:

First off, Northeastern no longer has a football team- it was eliminated last November. What’s that? You didn’t know NU used to have a football team? That’s okay, neither did most of the students here. NU football existed for 74 seasons and struggled to compete in its later years, but on the bright side, the team will forever more be undefeated.

With football gone the big sport on campus is undoubtedly men’s hockey. Matthews Arena is the home of the Huskies and the oldest hockey arena in the world, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in April. The “old barn” gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights and the Doghouse, our student section, taunting the opposing goaltender. Be sure to wear black and follow the Doghouse leaders, but as a word of advice, don’t repeat anything you spell out to your parents.

Come February the hockey team competes in the annual Beanpot Tournament at TD Garden, going up against Boston College, Boston University and Harvard University for bragging rights. Though the atmosphere is intense and interest on campus is high, success has eluded the Huskies. The team hasn’t won a Beanpot since 1988, but there’s always next year.

The men’s basketball team has a history of success and made a resurgence last season by winning 11 games in a row, and reaching the National Invitational Tournament. Last season the N-Zone, a courtside student section, was introduced, and attendance numbers skyrocketed. Expect Matthews to be packed again for some Huskies hoop- the opening game is Friday Nov. 12 against Boston University.

Though Parsons Field, located in nearby Brookline, no longer plays host to Huskies football, you can still catch some Huskies futbol there. The men’s and women’s soccer teams are two of the best in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and both have postseason aspirations. If you’re willing to trek off campus and go to Parsons, you’ll find a homely environment and quality footie.

Make your way over to the on-campus Cabot Center and you’ll find the women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Both have fun environments and usually have games or challenges for fans at halftime and intermissions.

The field hockey team plays at Sweeney Field, which is right next to West Village. The team has some good young talent and head coach Cheryl Murtagh has more than 300 career wins. Head over if you want to watch some chicks with sticks.

Every October the Head of the Charles is held on the Charles River, and both the men’s and women’s rowing teams compete. Set up anywhere along the river and you can catch a view of the races.

No matter where your sporting interests lie, there can be a team for you to follow. Though not known as a big time sports school, Northeastern fans are known as passionate and loud. Do your part and help our teams by lending your support. Have fun, and go Huskies.

Patrick McHugh is a junior journalism and communications studies major, and a member of the News staff.