PITTSBURGH — With skyscrapers draped in the background, the Butler hockey team etched a unique memory while facing off under the bright lights of Penguins Pond on Tuesday night against North Allegheny.

The game’s result, however, was forgettable.

The Tigers seized momentum early and cruised to a 5-1 victory over Butler in PIHL Class AAA action at Highmark Stadium’s outdoor ice rink.

It was a disappointing performance for the Tornado (5-6), but one worth remembering.

“It was a pretty neat atmosphere with the city behind us,” said Butler captain Tanner Gilliland. “It was a tough game, but I think we had a good experience overall.”

Charles Johnson and Joseph Griffin tallied first-period goals for North Allegheny (11-2), which led 2-0 after the initial frame and owned a 4-0 cushion after two periods.

“I thought all four lines skated hard tonight,” said North Allegheny coach James Black. “We got to our game right away. We got the puck deep, we got the quick goal and that got our momentum going.”

The Tigers extended the advantage to 5-0 in the third period, before Butler squirted the puck into the NA goal in the midst of heavy traffic in front of the net to avoid the shutout.

“NA has always been a good team,” said Butler assistant captain C.J. Campbell. “It was a tough loss, but we have a chance to bounce back.”

“We learned a lot. We can’t come out with a bad attitude,” said fellow assistant captain Tony Harpel. “We definitely have to bounce back. We’ve got McDowell on Thursday and we hope to get a big win against them.”

It marked the third straight loss for the Tornado and it didn’t sting any less coming at a rare environment.

“The expectation was to have our team focused,” said Butler coach Mike Guentner. “The team is accountable for itself. You heard it from the captains, we think about the next game after something like this happens. We don’t dwell on it for too long.

“We’re at the cusp of a slump here and we’re just going to dig ourselves out of it,” Guentner added. “This isn’t the team we wanted to be and these guys know it.

“Our hearts weren’t as big as NA’s tonight, but it’s a great learning experience.”

The Tornado’s ability to put the past behind them is one reason the program has taken steps in the right direction this year.

However, there is still plenty of work ahead and North Allegheny exemplifies the type of program Guenter hopes Butler can become.

“They’ve got a great system. I wouldn’t say they’re light-years ahead of us, but you’re talking about an organization that consistently pumps teams out like this year after year,” Guenter said. “We’re not there yet. Hopefully, if we keep improving game by game, practice by practice, we’ll get there.”

Black has already taken notice of Butler’s progress in Guentner’s first full season at the helm.

“Mike has a done a great job there. You can see it. That program seems to coming back and they’ve turned the corner a little bit,” said the North Allegheny coach. “That’s what you want to see. It’s good to see Butler kind of turn things around this season.

“He’s got them disciplined and they’re playing the game the right way and I think that’s important.”

Playing outdoors came with unfamiliar challenges for both teams.

“It’s like real chippy out here. You can’t really handle the puck well,” said Gilliland. “You have to get it deep and chase it.”

Still, the scenery of the Penguins Pond — located along the Monongahela River — provided a sight to soak in.

“It’s always special playing out here because not many people get to do this,” Campbell explained.

“It’s fun out here,” Gilliland chimed in. “I’ll remember the experience.”

“It was really special to play outside, especially looking at the city behind you,” Harpel agreed. “Being a senior, this is probably one of the most special games of the season. You’re never going to get to do this again.”