By Bailey Putnam, news correspondent

The Northeastern men’s hockey team is still chasing its first win after dropping a pair of games to Colgate University at Starr Rink in Hamilton, N.Y. this past weekend. The first and longest road trip of the season was an unfruitful one that sent the Huskies on the 270-mile bus ride home with a 0-3 record.

NU couldn’t find a way to put the puck past Colgate’s sophomore goaltender Charlie Finn, who posted shutouts in the two games, both ending with scores of 3-0.

“We couldn’t solve the riddle for [Finn] this weekend,” Northeastern Head Coach Jim Madigan said in a press conference Saturday night. “We had chances, and we just couldn’t score, so we’ll get back to the drawing board.”

On Friday night, the Huskies, down 1-0 going into the third, tested Finn by taking 16 of their 24 shots in the final 20 minutes of play. However, the Raider netminder’s superior play, along with a backhand goal from Colgate junior forward Darcy Murphy, lead to NU’s first loss of the trip.

The Huskies found themselves in an identical situation Saturday night as they entered the third period down by one. Once again they were foiled by the Colgate’s goaltender and strong defense. Redshirt sophomore goalie Derick Roy, who replaced senior goalie Clay Witt for the second game of the series and posted a career-high 38 saves, earned praise from Madigan following the game.

“Derick has worked hard throughout the preseason and deserved the start,” Madigan said Saturday night. “The plan was to go with Derick regardless of what happened [Friday] night. He was ready mentally, and I thought he played very well.”

Though disappointed with the losses, Madigan said he is not worried about the direction the team is headed, and, for the most part, is pleased with its play. The team will continue to work hard in preparation for its next league game at Matthews Arena on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

“The mentality and mindset in practice right now is getting better every day,” Madigan said. “We’ve only played one league game, so it’s early in the year and we continue to build good habits in practice and continue to play with a focus and purpose.”

Despite the weekend losses, Madigan is not worried just yet.

“Our identity is based on effort, energy and accountability, and that’s how we played this past weekend,” he said. “If we play with that same energy and conviction, we’re going to be fine. We just need to get the monkey off our backs and get that first win.”

Photo courtesy Jim Pierce, Northeastern Athletics