With an 11-goal lead and the ACHL semifinal game under control, Icer forward Rich Martha selflessly devoted his body to a cause.

The cause was defense, and when Martha threw himself between an opposing slap shot and the Penn State net, coaches noticed.

"The play Richie Martha made is the key to defense," Coach Joe Battista said. "He's a forward playing defense, and he goes all out to block a slap shot when he didn't have to. It doesn't show up in the box score but it helps win games."

This past weekend confirmed what many of the coaches and players have known all along: defense wins championships. In capturing the ACHL title, Penn State surrendered just five goals in two games, defeating West Chester 15-2, and Delaware 6-3. The stellar defensive play must continue into the national tournament if the Icers are to be successful.

"We're working very hard in the defensive zone, and clearing the puck when we have to," defenseman Erik Lightner said. "We have to concentrate on team defense because that's what wins games."

Battista has stressed the concept that defense comes first. The Icers have heeded his message, surrendering only 41 goals in 15 games in 1994 in compiling a 12-2-1 mark.

The play of the goaltenders has been instrumental in the team's current 11-game unbeaten streak. Senior Dennis Magulick has won five consecutive starts and sophomore Jeff Crispino has repeatedly performed well in big games.

"We're playing such great defense right now because the entire team is contributing," Magulick said. "I have a lot of confidence in the guys in front of me, and I'm seeing the puck as well as I ever have."

Defenseman Mark Cervellero said the team has undergone a transformation from last year's run-and-gun style to this season's defensive-oriented squad.

"Every practice starts with defense," Cervellero said. "We have drills for diving and poke checks and that carries over into the games."