The doubters had been there all season, waiting for that moment.

Following the No. 1 Penn State ACHA Div. I Icers' first two losses of the season at the hands of No. 2 Illinois, the whispers became audible.

People criticized and analyzed the Icers, wondering if they did indeed have the depth they had preached all season.

Those questions were largely put to rest this past weekend at the Nittany Lion Invitational Tournament, where the progress of the younger, less-experienced players shone both on the ice and on the score sheet. Sixteen players made their way into the official score book with a point -- including four freshmen -- with 11 different players responsible for the 15 goals scored over the two-game tournament.

Friday's game against West Virginia even featured the re-emergence of sophomore goaltender Scott Blackman, who made his first appearance between the pipes since early in the fall. Blackman gave senior net-minder Scott Graham the night off, and turned away 17 of 18 shots for the win.

Depth is something the Icers have preached since the beginning of the season, when early wins against Rhode Island prompted some alumni to speculate that this edition may be the most talented group in Penn State history, but it has rarely been put to use. Coaches said this campaign has been one of the healthiest in recent memory, at least up until mid-January.

With Penn State coach Joe Battista in Italy as the head coach of Team USA hockey in the 2003 World University Games along with four of Penn State's senior members, injuries and illness began to run through the Icers locker room.

Sophomore defenseman Chris Rome tore his medial collateral ligament against Illinois, and a host of other elder Icers found themselves ailing. Penn State assistant coach Mike McNeill, who assumed the head-coaching duties in Battista's absence, was forced to go into last weekend's tournament with a line-up heavy with youth. The group also faced the task of eliminating the memories of the Illinois series.

"The losses to Illinois were tough," McNeill said. "I don't think it was a question of rebounding, but staying at that level."

With freshmen Luke Walker and Matt Weber tallying goals and Brendan Martin and Marc Switaj contributing with assists, McNeill said the weekend was a lot easier for everyone. It also gave everyone a taste of the competition.

"It's especially important for the young guys because they need experience," McNeill said. "It's important to have experience playing in a big game, and that helps us down the road and at nationals."

Walker and Martin were pleased with the opportunity, but understand that their roles may diminish as the injuries heal and the players return from Italy. Walker, whose third-period goal Saturday was his first with the Icers, said his focus won't waver should he be relegated to the bench in the coming weeks.

"Everyone's always upset when they're not in the line-up," Walker said, "but it makes you work that much harder in practice."

McNeill said although it was important for players to contribute it's also important for them to know their position on the team. Martin said that role for him is just fine.

"I expect the coaches will put me where they want me," Martin said. "Whether that's playing or on the bench, I just have to keep playing hard in practice."