The ACHA Div. II Ice Lions will have a chance to put the finishing touches on a successful season when they participate in the Northeast Collegiate Hockey Association tournament at Indiana University of Pennsylvania this weekend.

The Lions (15-12-2) have managed to post a winning record despite having to adjust to numerous injuries in their starting line-up, playing 21 of 29 games on the road, and practicing in the wee hours of Wednesday and Friday mornings all season. Regardless of their hardships, they have shown a tremendous amount of character in winning seven of their last eight games and ensuring themselves a winning season.

"We credit a lot of it to the injures we've had," Ice Lions junior defenseman and team captain Dave Jones said. "We changed our whole strategy after two of our top liners went down with injuries."

The Lions began playing a one- four style of defensive hockey after forwards Patrick McCullough, and J.T. D'Alessandro went down with injuries earlier in the season. The defensive scheme forces the Lions' opponent to bring the puck up the ice against two forwards and two defensemen who sit in the neutral zone.

"After we drop four guys in the neutral zone, it is real hard for teams to get the puck up ice against it," Jones said. "We pick off the puck and skate right back into their zone."

"Its been working for us, because it causes a lot of turnovers," Ice Lion junior forward Tim Cavanah said. "We have been scoring more goals and letting up less goals with it."

On Saturday, the Lions will continue to stick with the system when they face the University of Pittsburgh in the first round of the tournament. The Lions split their season series with Pitt (15-12) by winning 6-2 at Pitt in October, but losing 3-2 at home on December 7th. If the Lions defeat Pitt, they will face the winner of the IUP-Robert Morris game in the finals on Sunday. The Lions swept Robert Morris this season with 1-0 and 7-0 shutout victories, but they have yet to defeat IUP this year losing twice to the Indians.

"We're in a groove now, and everyone has brought more enthusiasm to play overall," Ice Lion forward Eric Ritter said. "We have to take Pitt seriously and stick with the way we've been playing."

The Ice Lions want to go out on the highest note possible, and a match-up with an IUP team that has had their number this year may be just what their looking for.

"Of course, we want a shot at IUP," Jones said. "We want revenge."