The defending national champion Penn State Icers will raise last year's banner and drop the puck on a new season at 9 tonight.

The Icers will revel one last time in last season's glory as they watch their national championship banner raised to the rafters of the Ice Pavillion before the game against No. 7 Ohio. The ceremony may feature one of last season's stars and captain, Alon Eizenman. Eizenman was in Penguins' camp this season and initially signed with their farm team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton but was released as part of a late roster move.

"Alon will be back for Friday's banner ceremony, if he doesn't land anything," said head coach Joe Battista. "I hope he's not here."

If Eizenman does make the trip, it will mean he will not have signed to play somewhere by Friday.

With all of the distractions Friday night, the Icers know that they have to put last year behind them and focus on their current goal of winning another title this season.

"We are not defending our title," said assistant coach Mike McNeill. "We are going after another one."

The Icers come into the game with the No. 1 ranking in the country, receiving 23 of the 25 first place votes.

"It is a challenge to stay there all year," said left wing Paul Crooker. "Teams are gunning for us, it's nice"

The Icers title defense (or hunt) begins with two big games against No. 7 Ohio. It is not going to be an easy way to start off the season, but the Icers are not backing down from the challenge.

"I love playing Ohio," said Crooker. "It's a great way to start."

Battista warned his team this week, however, that they must play smart.

"We have to take care of our own end," he said. "Ohio is very good at suckering you into bad penalties, they frustrate their opponents. We took bad penalties in the Blue White game."

Special teams are one of the main concerns coming into the game for the Icers because this will be their first game. Ohio has the advantage of already playing six. Despite loosing twice they have been able to work out their kinks and rust from the off season.

"Ohio is in better game shape," said coach McNeill. "Ohio has had time to work on special teams. Special teams are difficult to work on with each other."

They have also had the chance to play at game speed something the Icers have not.

"There is not the same level of intensity in practice," said coach Battista. "They (Icers) are tired of playing each other."

Playing with each other is one of the big advantages that the Icers have coming into this season, with the addition of only three rookies to a veteran team.

"It's exciting. I am happy to be playing with the same person as last year," said defenseman Josh Mandel. "It's nice to have the same six (defenseman) coming back."

Another position the team has all their players returning is goaltender. While Scott Graham played in seven more games (22-15) than Geoff Beauparlant did last season, the two had almost identical save percentage and goals against numbers. Both have returned vying for the starting job.

"They are pushing each other. It is a friendly rivalry," said Battista. "I will make the call this week (on the starter), in all likelihood I will play both."

After two full weeks of practice the Icers are tired of waiting and playing against one another. They are ready for Friday's and Saturday's contests against Ohio. Ohio will present a tough opening task for the Icers, but they seem confident they will be ready to go.