Dec. 8 was the day after the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, but it was also a disaster for the ice hockey club.
After ripping International Collegiate Hockey League opponent Buffalo State, 10-5, Friday Dec. 7, Penn State jumped out to a 6-2 second-period lead in Saturday's game. But the Bengals scored five straight goals -- the last one coming with three seconds left in overtime -- and won 7-6. That was the last time the Icers lost.
This is the weekend Penn State (18-3-2, 7-2-1) tries to get revenge for that loss. It will visit Buffalo State, which is now 3-10 in the ICHL, for two weekend games.
"It is important for us to go in to the first game and avenge that loss," forward Dave Murphy said.
The Icers have a sign in that constantly reminds them of "that loss."
"In some respects it was a blessing in disguise, because I think we have used that as the impetus to go on this unbeaten streak in the second semester," Coach Joe Battista said.
Penn State is 7-0-2 in the spring semester and on the way to achieving the team goals for this year -- to win both the ICHL regular-season and postseason titles, break the Penn State record for most wins in a season (24) and defend its national championship.
"Whether we accomplish the goals or not depends on how hard we work," senior defenseman Josh Brandwene said.
Brandwene is seven points away from breaking the scoring record for a Penn State defenseman. But he said he will be thinking more about beating the Bengals.
"It (the record) has crossed my mind, but Buffalo State is too much of an offensive-minded team, I have to concentrate on defense," he said.
"One thing I've learned in four years is that on any given day any team in this league can beat anybody else," Battista said.
Battista said the Icers will try to wear down Buffalo State by taking advantage of the Bengals' weak bench.
"They have five or six players, who, when they are on top of their game, can beat you, but they have no depth," he said.
Penn State needs wins this weekend games to keep pace with Erie College in the ICHL race for first place. The Kats are 9-1-3 in the league and 18-1-4 overall. The Icers, who havded Erie its only loss, are six points behind the Kats.
"Erie has put the pressure on us to win," Battista said.
Icer Notes: The Icers don't have any injuries going into the weekend, but practice was cancelled Wednesday because most of the players were sick . . . Jerry Moore began practicing this week after missing three months with a knee injury.
