Distracting midseason controversies can tear a team apart and this season, the Penn State Division II ice hockey team could easily have been split over the goalie position.

However, this controversy never materialized.

Throughout the season, goalies Brian Gratz and David Levine have amicably split time in the net. They have comparable numbers, Levine with an .866 save percentage to Gratz's .922. And, what might be most important to team chemistry, both work within the two-goalie system without complaint.

"The relationship we have is a working relationship for sure," said Gratz. "We're both competing to be the best, but we know we're splitting the games so really we're helping each other out. It's helped both ou r games."

In some ways these players are similar.

Both started playing hockey at about age 5.

Both cited their parents as the biggest influence in their hockey playing.

Each said they started playing goalie because of the excitement it offers. And neither minds playing for a team that receives little attention or press coverage.

Despite the similarities, each has different styles on and off the ice. Gratz describes himself as more aggressive in the net, not being afraid to challenge opponents, especially on breakaways. Levine explains his play as more passive by nature, preferring to let things come to him. Physically, Gratz is a much bigger guy than Levine.

"I'm probably a faster, have more foot speed, quicker reactions," says Levine. "As a disadvantage, I don't take up as much of the net. A shot Brian can stop by sticking his leg out is going right by me, my legs just aren't long enough."

The two-goalie system was not the original intent of the team according to Ice Lions captain Jake Wolfe.

"They've both earned their spots," said Wolfe. "Mo (Penn State head coach Mo Stroemel) even wanted to have one of them play all the games but they both started playing so well they just divided it up."

The team has responded well to the goalie shuffling. During the Ice Lions best stretch of the season before the semester break, each put up their best games of the season. Against Marist on Dec. 2, Levine allowed three goals while recording his first win of the season. Gratz recorded a shutout against a Montclair State team that boasted the top two goal scorers in the league.

"It was the high point of my year," said Gratz. "That's every goalies' dream, to get the shutout. Everybody dreams about that."

As for the team's recent troubles of going 0-4 since the break, both men point towards a lack of team commitment since returning.

"The break hurt in the sense that we were on a role and now all of a sudden we came back flat," says Levine. "A couple losses and guys' confidence is starting to go down. I'd say it hurt us pretty badly."

As for the future, both sophomores think this dynamic can exist for two more years, but are not sure if it will. For one, both intend to try out for the Division I Icers next year. However, if both are still with the Ice Lions, they intend to continue to work together next season.

"It all depends what happens in the off-season," said Gratz. "You can say what you want about who's playing better at one time but Coach is ultimately going to make the decision. What I think is going to happen is in the off season one of us is going to have to accelerate his abilities, maybe get pulled up to the Icers, maybe just gain an edge."

Right now, each is looking forward to finishing the season strong with rematches with IUP and Marist looming.