BIDDEFORD — For the first time in the history of the program, the University of New England men’s ice hockey team will host a postseason contest when the New England Hockey Conference Championship gets underway on Saturday. The fourth-seeded Nor’easters will take on fifth-seeded New England College at 7 p.m. at the Harold Alfond Forum.

Other quarterfinal-round games Saturday feature No. 1 University of Massachusetts Boston hosting No. 8 University of Southern Maine, No. 2 Babson College taking on No. 7 Skidmore College, and No. 3 Norwich University playing host to No. 6 Castleton University.

UNE grabbed the fourth spot with a conference record of 9-7-2 (13-9-3 overall). The Nor’easters’ win output of 13 established a school single-season record. NEC will take an 11-8-6 mark (6-6-6 NEHC) into Saturday’s contest.

The two teams split during the regular season, with each squad winning on the other’s home ice. UNE topped the Pilgrims, 3-2, on Dec. 5, and New England College came away 6-4 victory at the Alfond Forum Feb. 5.

Ticket prices for Saturday’s quarterfinal at the Harold Alfond Forum will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. The University of New England’s Division of Student Affairs will cover the cost for UNE students. Tickets will go onsale at 5:30 p.m. the day of the game. No advance ticket sales will be available.

The semifinal round will be played Saturday, Feb. 27, and the highest remaining seed will host the championship game on Saturday, March 5.