When it comes to the stretch run, nothing is more exciting than a close race. In the International Collegiate Hockey League the race couldn't be closer.

"This is when it all becomes interesting -- every team still has something to fight for," Coach Joe Battista said. "This is the way you want it at the end of the season."

The ice hockey club has four regular-season games left. It needs one win to secure second place, but if the Icers win all four they will take first, something they have never done.

The Icers recieved their bid for the National Invitational Tournament. They are ranked second behind Ohio University, which they beat last year to win the title. Other teams invited, in order are Arizona, Iowa State, Rhode Island, Eastren Michigan, Navy and North Dakota State.

The Icers (20-3-2) will host the University of Buffalo at 9 tonight and at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon.

"The University of Buffalo is an improved team from last semester," Battista said. "They have to be the most unlucky team in the league -- they've lost some real tough ones."

In three games with first-place Erie, the Bulls lost 6-4, 6-3 and 7-4. They have tied and beaten both Buffalo State and Conestoga and tied Niagara. But playoff time may bring that extra kick to this Buffalo team which is battling Buffalo State for a position in the playoffs.

"They're in a position to catch Buffalo State, and once you're in the playoffs it's anyone's ballgame." Battista said.

"We all know that we can't let up, they've been playing good lately." goalie John Gray added. "This game is just as important to them as it is to us."

The way the ICHL playoffs work is simple enough: the top two teams, currently Erie and the Icers receive a bye. Conestoga, the host team, also receives a bye. The No. 4 team, Niagara, will play No. 5 to set up the final four.

The race for No. 5 is as close as the race for No. 1. The Bulls are behind Buffalo State by only one point. The Buffalo has four games left, while its couterpart's lone game is against the Bulls.

Battista stressed the importance of a team being able to peak at playoff time, because once the playoffs begin anything can happen. The No. 1 team has only won the championship twice in the last 10 years.

"It's time for us to kick into high gear and start playing playoff-caliber hockey," Battista said.

Buffalo State has added former ICHL all-star Peter Dienes to its roster. Other key players include two of the top 15 scorers in the league, No. 8 Scott Miller and No. 14 Chris Scott.

For the first time since November the Icers will be going into the weekend with everyone healthy except senior tri-captain Johnny Ioia, who will be out for the remainder of the season.

"Our fate is in our own hands," Battista said. "We have a legitimate shot at breaking some records."