When challenge is met with inherent success, confidence blossoms. But sometimes overconfidence can reach boredom.

Maybe that's why Bassett wants to be a fighter pilot.

"This is a guy who believes in himself," Icers coach Joe Battista said. "I'd rather have a guy like Joe flying those multi-million-dollar fighter planes in a war than someone who is wishy-washy."

That is Bassett's dream -- to climb into the cockpit of an F-14, chase down the enemy, fire away and send them crashing to the earth. The senior's lifelong goal stems from a childhood fascination with a popular science-fiction movie.

"I think I watched too much Star Wars when I was a kid," Bassett said. "I wanted to be like Luke Skywalker."

If the Icers cast characters, Battista would play the role of Yoda and Bassett his unruly pupil.

When Bassett arrived at Penn State as a freshman, the coach was tested by Bassett's unbridled style. Whether it was trash talking, unnecessary visits to the sin bin or just over-aggressive play, Bassett and Battista shared growing pains.

"He pulled a few stunts that didn't please me," Battista said. "Joe and I have had our share of differences. He believes in whatever it takes to win. I've tried to teach him that there's a time and a place for that."

At the start of the 1998-99 campaign, Bassett had averaged 31 penalty minutes over his first three seasons. But it seems he's conformed to Battista's scheme.

The Warner, N.H., native is experiencing his best season as an Icer. Bassett has tallied 24 points on 13 goals and 11 assists. In 103 career games, he's been on the ice 31 times when the opponent has scored during even-strength situations, an astronomical plus-74 rating.

But most staggering are his penalty minutes -- only 10 compared to last year's total of 52.

"In the end he's come to understand my philosophies," Battista said. "He's reached a point where he and I can agree to accept each other's idiosyncrasies."

He's not fast or flashy. He's not a goal scorer because finesse isn't part of his game.

Bassett, 22, is a grinder, a mucker. Most of his goals come from short range because he feasts on rebounds.

He does the dirty work, but with a giggle. He sends opponents hurtling into the boards with a smile on his face.

"I always loved to hit," he said.

When he was in the seventh grade, Bassett traded in his high-tops for a pair of skates.

"That's what always frustrated me with basketball -- there wasn't enough hitting."

His decision to come to Penn State took less time to contemplate than the eight-hour drive from his home to Happy Valley. The school had hockey, his major of choice and the social scene.

"I wanted to go to a party school and a great hockey school," Bassett said.

When Penn State concludes its regular season against Seneca this weekend, Bassett will walk into the Ice Pavilion at Greenberg Sports Complex for the last time as an Icer. Sure, he'll miss the sting of a stiff body check and the "whoosh" of cold, black galvanized rubber tickling the goal net.

But what he'll long for years from now is the camaraderie.

"Just hanging out in the locker room with the guys, the conversations and the friendships you make," he said, "that's what I'll miss the most."