Face-off at Fenway

Men's Hockey Team at Fenway

Following a 4-2 loss to the University of Massachusetts on Nov. 12, Northeastern University men’s hockey captain Mike McLaughlin held a players-only meeting in which, he recalled, “I set the record straight.”

Since then, the club has gone unbeaten in its last eight games, securing impressive road victories over nationally ranked Michigan, Minnesota and Notre Dame, the latter of which the Huskies beat 9-2 and 2-1 on successive nights.

“The team got used to playing together,” said McLaughlin, a 5-foot-9-inch forward who has six points in 13 games. “We bought into the system.”

The hungry Huskies hope to continue their strong play in the first outdoor game in program history at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Fenway Park against the No. 4 Boston College Eagles, who defeated Northeastern in both matchups earlier this season.

The game — which is part of the Sun Life Frozen Fenway 2012 series — will be played after Catholic Memorial School and Boston College High School compete in the first game of a doubleheader on Fenway ice.

Head coach Jim Madigan looks forward to showcasing his team’s talent for some 27,000 fans who are expected to pack the historic ballpark.

“We’re playing well, and we want to show the Boston community that Northeastern hockey is a good program,” said Madigan, a Northeastern alumnus and three-time Beanpot champ who knows a thing or two about winning. “I’m a big fan of getting the chance to promote college hockey.”

McLaughlin’s friends and family will make the trip to Fenway from his hometown of Seaforth, Ontario, to watch one of college hockey’s hottest team. “I hope it’s not too overwhelming,” he said. “It will be a great experience to share this with them.”

What are the keys to beating BC on the outdoor stage? As McLaughlin explained, “We have to match their speed and play a physical game.”

In preparation for the outdoor classic, the Huskies will host No. 6 Boston University on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Matthews Arena.

The red and black aren’t overlooking the Terriers, who are tied with the Eagles for first place in Hockey East. “BU is a team we need to beat,” Madigan said. “It’s not a trap-game by any means.”

He has high expectations for the remainder of the season. “We’re focused on the prize, which is winning Hockey East.”