Norse Hockey packed over 350 people into the Northern Kentucky Ice Center on Nov. 18th when they faced off against University of Cincinnati.

The Norse struck first in the 6-5 victory over the Bearcats. Karl Mueller scored the first two goals of the game for NKU inside four minutes before UC’s John Puhl scored in the 10th minute.

Mueller’s first goal came off a quick pass across center from Drew Toles. His second was 30 seconds into a power play prompted by a head shot from UC’s Adam Kozinn. This gave the Norse a 2-1 lead going into the second period.

The Norse answered quickly with another goal by Mueller with 47 seconds left in the period on UC goalie Brian Hughes, giving him a hat trick. Mueller’s goal came during a power play, which tied the game at three.

The Norse and Bearcats went down a man each. UC’s Spencer Trafton was sent to the box for interference. With 28 seconds left on the power play Toles was called for tripping. During the four on four, Norse center Eric Thueneman struck on an assist, courtesy of Scott Hicks.

UC tied the game with less than eight minutes to go on a power play after Thueneman was penalized for a head shot. As soon as Thueneman exited the box, the puck came to him. With a quick wrist shot, he went top shelf stick side and redeemed himself by once again, giving the Norse the lead.

The Norse penalty kill matched up well against UC’s power play. Between shots, kick saves, open ice hits and screaming fans, the Norse pulled together and shut down UC’s attack and giving the Norse the victory. The Norse beat the Bearcats again Saturday night 5-2, giving the Norse an 8-7 record going into winter break.