Get ready hockey fans, because the dynasty is back.

After capturing their third ACHA National Championship in three years, the Penn State ACHA Div. I Icers are primed and ready to defend the Murdoch Cup and start the 2002-2003 season en route to the ACHA National Championship Tournament this February at Ohio University.

"We're looking forward to defending our championship streak we've got going here," Icers coach Joe Battista said. "It certainly doesn't get any easier because we're ranked number one in the preseason."

The Icers were ranked No. 1 by the ACHA Coaches Poll, receiving all the first-place votes.

Rightfully so, as Penn State went 28-4-1 last season, after being handed two losses from Ohio, and one a piece from Indiana and Delaware.

"I think everyone is going to be gunning for us, we know we've got a big target on us, but we welcome the challenge," Battista said. "We know what it takes to be competitive and how important it is to get that No. 1 or No. 2 seed."

After the loss of five players from last year's championship squad, including team leaders Kyle Jordan and Scott Curry, the Icers still remain a predominantly junior and senior team.

"A lot of us are aware of the tradition right away," Josh Mandel said. "There's always been a degree of excellence by the seniors."

This year, the team looks to Mandel and fellow seniors Brandon Cook and Neal Price, along with junior Curtiss Patrick for leadership as the captains.

Three of those four (Mandel, Price and Patrick) and teammate Bill Downey will represent the United States in the World University games in Italy this January.

Battista adds to the Penn State representation, as he will coach the United States team, leaving the assistant coaching staff at the helm.

This also means that four of his players will miss several Icers games right in the middle of the season.

"We have a gentlemen's agreement among the coaches that we'll look at those games with less scrutiny knowing that so many teams will be missing players," Battista said. "The timing is tough because it comes in the middle of the season."

The Icers playing for America said they look forward to the opportunity of a lifetime, but also realize they will be leaving their team during regular season play.

"I'm not worried about the games, I think we'll win," Patrick said.

Battista does not seem worried either.

"I'm confident in the guys we're leaving behind," he said. "It's a good chance for the younger kids to get it."

In addition to making adjustments for players leaving, the Icers will also have to deal with two critical rule changes.

First, the overtime period will be played with four a side, thus making the gameplay faster and riskier.

The other main rule change is the fast face off, reminiscent of the Olympic style of play that gives a team's center 15 seconds to be ready for a face off.

"I think there will be a lot of commotion on the bench because of that (fast face off) rule," Price said.

The Icers will head on the road for their first game of the season to play Rhode Island Saturday at their newly constructed $12 million ice arena.

Penn State will open up at home against Kent State Oct. 18, but will wait to unveil the ACHA National Championship banner until a week later against rival Ohio.