In an October weekend series at Penn State, the Icers defeated Ohio twice by scores of 4-2 and 2-0. But McCarthy insists his Bobcats are a whole new team.

"We started our season 0-6, so things have obviously changed for us," he said. "We're entirely different now because our defense is a lot stronger."

Led by seniors Brandon Alviano and Brad Berigan, opponents have found it hard to put the puck in the net vs. Ohio. Michigan-Dearborn, which averages more than six goals per game, scored once in two matches against the Bobcats.

"They do have a really good defense, but so do we," Penn State goaltender Anthony Annexy said. "We're pretty identical teams. So we're just going to take our shots and hopefully our bounces will come."

Penn State coach Joe Battista is looking at the daunting task of beating the Bobcats at their home as a challenge and hopefully a change of pace for his "slumping" Icers.

"They've got some guys who played for them last year and they know we stopped their national title streak," he said. "So I hope our team reacts to that by stepping up."

Alon Eizenman, a sophomore forward who leads Penn State with 52 points, is excited to meet the infamous Ohio defense.

"We broke their national champion streak at two," he said. "So we're looking to be streak-breakers once again."