Struggling Ice Lions seek revenge against Flying Dutchmen

By MICHAEL YODER
Collegian Staff Writer

Despite injuries, suspensions and sickness, the season is not quite over for the Penn State Div. II Ice Lions.

At 9:15 p.m. today and 3:15 p.m. tomorrow in the Ice Pavilion at Greenberg Sports Complex, the Ice Lions (11-7-2) will face Hofstra in Penn State's final two home games of the year.

After being embarrassed last month in Hempstead, N.Y., by Hofstra, the Ice Lions are looking for revenge.

"We're looking for some payback," Penn State coach Mo Stroemel said. "We didn't expect to lose to Hofstra the first time, and we certainly expect it not to happen again."

Earlier this season, Penn State found itself in a scoring battle with the Flying Dutchmen, 0-15 at the time, and fell 7-6. Even more devastating than the score was that the win was Hofstra's first and only win of the season.

Penn State entered the game with a depleted roster and key players, such as captain Dan Horowitz and assistant captain Brad Webb, sitting out.

"Last time we took (Hofstra) too lightly," Webb said. "This time we want to make an example of them and make them pay."

The Ice Lions, however, may enter the game with a depleted roster once again. Defenseman Corey Rudzinski probably will miss the rest of the season with a compound fracture in his leg. Kim Cautreels probably will be back tomorrow after serving a five game suspension for fighting. Several players, including Horowitz, are suffering from high fevers and fatigue and their return to the ice tonight is questionable. Even Stroemel is suffering through an illness, but will be on the bench coaching the team tonight.

"I don't know what kind of team will be on the ice," Stroemel said. "I'm not sure what the lineup will look like, but we should be prepared with whoever we have."

In practice this week Penn State focused on penalty killing, fore-checking and the power play, but it did not make any significant structural changes to the team.

"Our fore-checking is where it needs to be," Stroemel said. "Most of our emphasis was working on our special teams."

After the melee on the ice last weekend against Indiana (Pa.), Stroemel stressed the importance of playing smart and keeping cool under intense pressure. IUP used a physical and at times questionable playing style and Penn State walked into a physical battle it could not handle, falling 6-3. Penn State hopes to stay away from uncontrolled games tonight and tomorrow.

"Hopefully cooler heads will prevail this weekend," Stroemel said. "You have to play emotionally, but you shouldn't play out of anger."