Being number one brings certain expectations, but it also brings about one common characteristic.

Everyone wants to target and dethrone the premier team.

This is not new for the No. 1 Penn State ACHA Div. I Icers, as they travel to the newly opened Brad Boss Arena for a two-game series against Rhode Island, tomorrow night at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2.

Rhode Island is already off to a 2-0 start after pounding Villanova 9-1 and 8-4.

"We know going on the road and opening up with a team that's already had a couple of games under their belt, is certainly going to be a challenge to us," Icers coach Joe Battista said.

There is a little vindictive spirit for Rhode Island.

Despite winning the league crown last season, it missed the national tournament by one ranking after finishing No. 13.

Rhode Island managed to beat both Towson and Drexel, who both made national tournament appearances last year.

Still, Battista remains confident.

"We are a predominantly junior and senior team, so these guys have been through a lot of battles," he said.

The Icers look forward to having the bulk of last year's offense is back.

Heading up the team's offense against Rhode Island are Bill Downey and Neal Price, both of whom will represent the United States in the World University Games this January.

They also will look to unveil some members of the most recent and talented recruiting class.

"Our new freshmen are incredibly talented," defenseman Josh Mandel said.

"We've had a lot passed down to us from the classes ahead of us."

Mandel said that because the team is composed of mainly juniors and seniors, getting the new faces integrated with the Icers' style of play for this weekend was positive experience.

Getting prepared to play in a loud and hostile arena is one thing the Icers are keeping in mind for Rhode Island.

"It's fun to play those kind of games," said Curtiss Patrick. "It's nice because we're in a league where we've been the best team for the last three years. Teams play very well against us, and we have to show up for every game."