Icers hope weekend produces winning ways

The No. 4 Icers hope to continue their winning ways this weekend, as they travel to West Virginia for a 9:30 p.m. game today with the Mountaineer Hounds.

When the Icers faced West Virginia (10-20) in mid-January, they thrashed the Mountaineer Hounds by scores of 8-2 and 7-1. This time, first-year West Virginia coach Brian Bronk feels his team is more confident.

"Our confidence is growing rapidly," Bronk said. "We are coming off a good weekend split, losing to Buffalo but winning at Erie."

Bronk feels the key for his team is to play a disciplined brand of hockey and stay out of the penalty box.

"We're going to have to outwork Penn State," he said. "Our goaltender, Kevin Gray, is going to be a huge factor as well. He's been playing well of late. We have to be as patient as we can and try to capitalize on any mistakes Penn State might make."

Bronk said the Mountaineer Hounds may get a boost from their home crowd as well.

"Our rink is so unique," he added. "The elements really play into our favor. It could be a big advantage."

After the West Virginia game, the Icers climb on the bus and return to State College to take on the No. 15 Midshipmen.

"We're going to face a little adversity this weekend," Icer coach Joe Battista said. "The guys are going to have to suck it up for two games. We're going to have to stay on our toes."

Battista plans to leave some players behind in order to have some fresh bodies for Saturday's game.

Navy is coming off three tough losses in their Crab Pot tournament, an event similar to Penn State's Nittany Lion Invitational. Navy coach, Capt. Vince Vertin, said his team has been getting its chances but has fallen victim to hot goaltending.

"The game plan for us is to just be aggressive and play tough defense," Vertin said. "Tough back checking, tough in the defensive zone and hope our goalie has a good game. We have to go at 'em, not sit back and let them make things happen. We have to take the action to them.

"My philosophy is we don't go in to make a good showing," Vertin added. "We go in and try to win."

An added bonus for the Midshipmen is the chance to get away from the Naval Academy and the disciplined lifestyle the players must deal with on a daily basis.

"Going on the road and playing at Penn State," Vertin said, "is a big thrill for us."