Senior Icers strut stuff

By MICHELLE ROACH
Collegian Sports Writer

Eighteen seconds into their game on Friday against Duquesne, the Icers' seniors let the standing-room-only crowd know it was their last game at the ice pavilion.

Defenseman John Farrall and forward Cliff Graziano connected with fellow senior Dave Raymer, who slapped in the first of his four goals of the evening, contributing to the final 14-0 score. Raymer, who was back on the ice after being out for the past three weekends with a hand injury, said the game was special to him.

"It was my first and last game," the forward said. "I guess I used the emotion to my advantage."

Raymer and co-captains Farrall and Andrew Strasser played their first game at the ice pavilion four years ago -- also against Duquesne -- and the trio came in the same way they went out -- scoring. On Friday, Farrall scored twice and Strasser scored once.

All of the six seniors chalked up a point, including goaltender Derek Lecours, who assisted on junior forward Rob Keegan's goal. Lecours said the seniors are ready for the American Collegiate Hockey Association nationals, which begin tomorrow in Tucson, Ariz.

Coach Joe Battista said Lecours is a great team leader. He also credited senior P.J. Amodeo with great defensive work.

Amodeo came back after suffering two knee injuries. But Battista said the injuries were not evident and Amodeo had "bounce" in his skating.

"I think one of the biggest surprises was that P.J. was even able to come back," Battista said.

Graziano was another injured senior who did not let it show. The forward played with an injured muscle under his rib cage, but still managed to score and add two assists. He said his emotions were "flying high."

"Call me sentimental," Graziano said.

He added that he hopes the seniors' experience will help the younger players at nationals.

Battista said he knows the Icers are excited for nationals, and that they cannot wait to get on the plane. Lecours characterized the Icers as a team that cannot wait to get on the ice.

"If we could skate there I think we would get there faster," he said. "We're so pumped up."