Although the Icers didn't end the season on the upbeat note they had hoped for, finishing third at the National Invitational Tournament and second in the International Collegiate Hockey League, they accomplished many of the goals which they set for their 25th anniversary season.

The Icers finished the season 26-6-3 overall, setting a new record for most wins in a season; the previous record of 24 wins was set in the 1980-81 season. The Icers recorded their record-breaking win at the NIT, held Feb. 27-March 2 in Tuscon, Ariz., where they recorded victories over Easter Michigan, 3-2, and Navy, 5-0, but lost to host Arizona 5-2.

The Icers beat No. 1 Ohio University in the consolation game to finish third in the country.

The Icers finished 11-3-2 in the ICHL, placing second in both the regular season and the playoffs, recording their best record ever.

"In a lot of ways this was the best season ever," Battista said. "26-6-3 is a record to be proud of. We're not going to win the NIT every year . . . there's nothing wrong with third."

One of the biggest disappointments of the year would have to be the loss to Arizona, Battista said. The Icers outshot Arizona, 48-28, but they just couldn't get the puck into the net.

One of the biggest highlights of the year would have to be the performance of senior tri-captain Josh Brandwene.

"(Brandwene) had an outstanding four-year career," Battista said. "It's not going to be easy to replace a guy like that."

Brandwene was the first Icer ever to be named league MVP. Other honors he received include first-team ICHL all-star for three years, first-team all-tournament selection at the NIT, all-tournament team at the Nittany Lion Invitational and all-tournament team at the WPI tournament.

Brandwene also broke Battista's record for career points by a defenseman, finishing with 12 goals and 35 assists for 47 points this season. His career totals are 39 goals and 102 assists for 141 points, three more than Battista. Brandwene's record may be short-lived because junior Mike Messner is just 46 points away from breaking it.

Other individuals Battista cited for outstanding performances on the ice include Ross Cowan, who finished the year as the ICHL leading scorer and was named as a first-team all-star; Dave Murphy, honorable mention at the NIT; John Gray, Nittany Lion Invitational MVP; and Ben Bouma, MVP at the WPI tournament. Gray also broke the team record for shutouts for a goalie with five.

Senior tri-captian Midge Hutchison thought it was very difficult to pick out a highlight from the season.

"No one game was better than any other," Hutchison said. "The high might be that this was one of the funnest teams to be associated with. Everyone got along well, they were all a lot of fun to be with."

Battista also cited several people off the ice who made everything possible. They include assistant coaching staff, including Ray Lombra, Jeff Cook and Bill Masullo, and all the volunteers with the booster club, especially president Norm Hutchison, assistant president and treasurer Roy Hammerstedt, faculty advisor Paul Cohen and director of club sports Vance McCullugh.

"We're really a mini-athletic department within ourself," Battista said. "I feel a great deal of loyalty to the people who give us their time to help this organization be successful."

Although the Icers are loosing several key players, including Brandwene, Hutchison, Lance Riddile, John Ioia, Gerry Moore, Bob Kokal, Marc Gresko and Mark O'Brien, they have set their sights just as high for next season. The Icers will have the honor of hosting the NIT next year, the first time the NIT will ever be played in the East.

The next two months will be spent recruiting, to replace the eight graduating seniors, a group which Battista said combines all the important aspects of a good team: defense, character, and leadership.