Former icer Brandwene leads Delaware to Ice Pavillion

By KEVIN BRICKER
Collegian Staff Writer

Walking into the Ice Pavilion at Greenberg Sports Complex used to be an emotional experience for Delaware men's ice hockey coach Josh Brandwene.

The sentiment has somewhat faded.

There isn't a particular game or highlight that sticks out in his mind from his playing days at Penn State. As time has worn on, the Penn State hockey alumnus has realized it is the familiar faces that stir most of his memories.

"It used to be (emotional)," Brandwene said. "But it's the people. That's why it's special to come back on Alumni weekend. It's the people that make the program."

Brandwene and his No. 6 Blue Hens (16-7-2) will confront a recognizable foe -- Penn State coach Joe Battista -- at 9 p.m. today and 5:15 p.m. tomorrow at the ice pavilion in a pair of American Collegiate Hockey Association contests. In their previous two meetings this season in Delaware, the Icers swept a pair of games by scores of 7-3 and 6-3.

The Blue Hens coach was a former defenseman for Battista from 1987-91. But this year's gushy reunion won't last long. Brandwene's club comes to Happy Valley with one thing on its mind.

"As far as the game is concerned, (Battista)'s got a job to do and I've got a job to do," Brandwene said.

Lately, Battista's job has hit some tough times. The No. 3 Icers (19-3-1) are stuck in the rut of a three-game winless streak. Penn State dropped a 4-2 game at No. 2 Michigan-Dearborn last Friday and skated to a 4-4 tie at No. 4 Eastern Michigan last Saturday.

"I don't think we're playing bad hockey," Battista said. "We've just made some mistakes that cost us some games. The roof hasn't caved in."

While the Icers slipped from No. 1 to 3 in the latest poll released yesterday, the Blue Hens climbed a spot. Delaware is unbeaten in its last six games and 8-1-2 over its last 11. The Blue Hens tied No. 4 Arizona 3-3 Wednesday.

Both teams have already garnered bids to the ACHA Tournament. Penn State earned a selection with its top-10 ranking and Delaware, host of the tournament, earned an automatic bid.

Brandwene, who serves as president of the ACHA, said Battista has had a lasting influence on his coaching style.

"He's had an immeasurable impact," Brandwene said. "I think our motivation style is similar. We're both extremely intense. We demand a lot from our players but we're there for them."

With the familiarity so resounding, don't expect any trickery. These teams are accustomed to each other and know the keys to winning.

"Both teams have played each other so much over the last three years," Brandwene said, "that it really comes down to execution."

Clearing the zone:

The Icers' Alumni game will be held at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow in the ice pavilion . . . Penn State will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony during the first intermission of tomorrow's game . . . Icers senior defenseman Buff Shuttleworth will sit out both games while serving a two-game suspension.