Whether it be a big play or a key game, timing makes or breaks a team. But timing means more to those who wait in the wings, eagerly anticipating the chance to prove themselves.

These opportunities came last weekend for a few young Icers, rookies who were given their chances and made things happen.

When Coach Joe Battista tapped into his reserves, he unleashed a depth chart full of potential. The kinds of players who possess the potential to make a difference at nationals if called upon. Players who can make key checks and score big goals when time is running out.

"I think they know the ball's in their court," Battista said of his young players. "They're either not quite strong enough, quite quick enough or haven't been able to play the game at this fast of pace comfortably, but they're learning."

Many of the younger players, like Todd Shraiberg, Kevin Castine, Andrew Barnes, and Kevin O'Brien, took advantage of their chance and came on strong for Penn State, combining for nine points in two games last weekend.

"These guys are not different from where Dave Raymer and Matt Cavrak and guys like that were a couple of years ago," Battista said. "And those guys have made significant contributions to the team this year, so they kind of have to bide their time, keep working hard and wait for their break."

Both Raymer and Cavrak learned how to make those crucial adjustments needed to break into the regular lineup. And both make every second count when their line sees ice time in games.

"Nothing substitutes for game experience," Raymer said. "You can practice as much as you want, but where you really learn things is out on the ice."

Raymer got a first-hand look at the young players' impact when many skated on his line last weekend. He and Cavrak had big weekends, with the rookies only adding fuel to the scoring fire. After both games, Raymer shared his philosophy about what inspired such impressive performances by the rookies.

"With any sport, it's not as much a physical game as much a mental game," Raymer added. "And part of the mental game is being in and out of the lineup. It really takes a lot out of you to practice hard every week and then not see your name on the lineup."

Sophomore forward Ed Waryas broke into the lineup on a somewhat regular basis this semester until he broke his ankle when he slipped on a patch of ice while going to practice last week.

"I was definitely motivated by playing on different lines in practice," Waryas said. "I thought I was playing really well for not being in the constant lineup. And then this happened."

Cavrak agreed that a strong work ethic improves play, but also sees value in supporting the younger players.

"They can take my advice because when I came in here, I was just like them," Cavrak said. "It's a process of getting older. So I just go up to them and try to give them as much confidence as I can when they're down."

Apparently Cavrak's words of wisdom are taken seriously. Shraiberg racked up his first goal and two assists last weekend.

"You've got to keep your confidence," Shraiberg said, "That's the most important part, because when you lose confidence, you just don't belong out there.

"I can't say I'm better than this guy or that guy," Shraiberg continued. "The coaches know what they're doing. This is one of the best programs in the ACHA and I'm not one to complain."