Icer forward Brad Russell prefers fans as hostile as his play.

In fact, when the Icers faced Arizona in Tucson over break, he received negative comments from the Ice Cats' faithful everywhere he ventured, even in a fast food restaurant.

"You're going to lose tonight," replaced, "Have a nice day," once he was served.

"That made it really easy to go out there and beat them in their own building which we haven't done in 10 years," the senior forward said. "I like playing in front of a crowd that's hostile, that makes the game more fun."

Smashing checks and brilliant goals -- followed by NHL-type celebrations -- only enhance Russell's definition of having the kind of "fun" he's captured over the past four years.

He joined a club deep with talent in every aspect, finding himself playing wherever Icer Coach Joe Battista needed him. His presence as a dangerous two-dimensional player quickly impressed Battista, but still does not faze Russell.

"I just go out there and do what comes naturally for me," Russell said. "I don't try to follow anybody else."

Battista calls Russell a power forward "because he can do it all" and often features him on power plays and penalty killing situations.

Russell's soft scoring touch and hard hits earned him the Icer rookie of the year as a freshman, along with honors as the co-winner of 1992's Unsung Hero Award and a 1993 All-Tournament selection at Ohio University.

"I prefer to be a two-way player," Russell said. "I like to play some really good defense, but if the opportunity is there, I'll score a goal."

Russell has the potential to join the elite in Icer history as one of the top 10 all-time leading scorers when this season ends. That's not bad for a guy who served almost half of his collegiate career playing on a checking line, including last season when he racked up 63 points in 34 games.

"He's one of our most talented offensive players and probably our most talented defensive forward," senior Erik Lightner said of his teammate and friend.

No. 13 throws out checks with the best of them and never thinks twice before diving to the ice, hoping to break up an attack in the defensive zone. He handles the puck delicately before either making the picture-perfect pass or burying the puck behind a stunned goaltender.

And his efforts rarely go unnoticed or unappreciated by his teammates.

"He goes out there and does more than just trying to score goals," teammate Mark Cervellero added. "He's not a glory-seeker and he's not selfish."

The Binghamton, N.Y., native said aside from the more aggressive side of his personality brought out by his sport, he does not differ much away from the rink.

"He's not a phony person," Battista agreed. "He's not going to try to mask his shortcomings. Off the ice, he's certainly his own guy and isn't afraid to do what he wants to do."