It has been quite some time since the Lady Icers have had a game.

The last time they saw action on the ice was Dec. 3, with a stirring 18-0 shut out against the University of Rhode Island.

Now, more than a month later, the Lady Icers will hit the ice again. The Lady Icers return will be tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Chatham College.

Penn State walked away with a 10-1 victory in their last meeting.

"We've faced them before," Penn State coach Billie Willits said.

"They are a much improved team. They are a bit faster than when we saw them last year."

The Lady Icers are planning to use the same offensive and defensive strategies against Chatham that they have used on other fast teams in the past.

They are also focusing some on Pittsburgh's goalie.

Practice this week dealt with speed and making plays.

"We have been working on our speed and our quickness," Willits said.

"We focused on our breakouts so we can execute well on those."

Sunday, the Lady Icers will travel to another rink to play the University of Pittsburgh at noon.

Although the Ice Panthers are a strong team physically, the Lady Icers feel they are well prepared with a number of plays.

Penn State is cautious, however, of Pittsburgh's strengths.

"They have at least one defensewoman who skates the puck extremely well from the defensive zone to the neutral zone," Willits said. "They also have a number of strong forwards."

Filling in as a forward for Penn State is newcomer Alex McVicker. The freshman may be new to collegiate hockey but has years of playing experience.

Jeannine Kausch will get the start in goal for the Lady Icers.

The Lady Icers are confident about the upcoming games this weekend.

"We are looking forward to coming back and telling you about our victories."