The two-time defending ACHA National Champion Icers began their title defense last night with the annual preseason Blue/White hockey game. The Blue team, led by senior captain Kyle Jordan, edged the White team, with senior captain Scott Curry, 5-4. The teams played two twenty-minute periods, with a skills competition at halftime. Icers' coach Joe Batista observed from the stands as his assistants coached his players on the ice.

The scoring started early in the first period when sophomore forward Ryan Tocicki netted his first of two goals for the White team just 2:09 into the contest.

"I had two good linemates, we got some chances, and we capitalized," said Tocicki. "This was our first real, all-out scrimmage, and it was a good way to start the season."

The Blue team tied up the game soon after with a goal from junior forward Paul Crooker and took the lead with a power-play goal at 15:12 by sophomore forward Greg Windsor. Windsor had an excellent game, adding a second goal and an assist in the second period. Despite his strong performance, Windsor does not expect to get much playing time this year.

The Blue team's lead lasted just 21 seconds, until sophomore forward Glenn Zuck scored a remarkable one-on-two goal.

Zuck led the Icers in scoring last season, was a third team All-American, and rookie of the year.

Both teams added additional goals in the last three minutes of the first period.

Junior center Neal Price scored for the Blue team, and then sophomore defenseman Curtiss Patrick scored for the White team to tie the score at three going into the intermission.

The skills competition began with the hardest shot contest. The White team dominated, led by Zuck with a shot that registered 89 mph on the radar gun.

Next up was the fastest skater relay race, which the White team easily won.

The goalies ruled the breakaway contest. Junior goalie and third team All-American Scott Graham turned away all five shots for the Blue team. Still, the White team won the skills competition, 4-1.

The game turned out the opposite way in the second period, as the Blue team netted two goals and the White team managed only one.

Assistant captain Josh Mandel scored the game-winner with only 36 seconds left in the game.

"(The game) showed us that we have a lot to work on," said captain Scott Curry.

"We need to pick up our effort and intensity, and get back to the basics."

The Icers begin their quest for a third consecutive ACHA Championship against Ohio next Friday.

"Everybody's going to be gunning for us," said assistant head coach Mike McNeill.

Curry also believes the Icers have their work cut out for them.

"We haven't proven anything yet," he said.

"We have the talent, but we're not there yet."