"I think it's unfair that everybody just assumes we're going to win the championship," Icers coach Joe Battista said. "It's almost like it takes away from what we've accomplished. None of our championships have been easy."
Each of the previous four seasons has seen the Icers struggle to remain in the playoffs. But each has seen the team persevere and hoist the trophy.
In 2000, they needed three straight come-from-behind overtime wins to continue through the playoffs. In 2001, a standing-room-only crowd in Arizona watched the Icecats fall to the Icers after the two teams finished the first period in a 3-3 tie.
Both 2002 and 2003 saw Penn State almost bow out of the tournament early, but instead manage to hold off Drexel, 2-1, in the first round of 2002, and fight past Iowa, 3-2, in the second round in 2003.
Past experiences have shown the Icers they're just as vulnerable as anyone else. They can't take any win for granted. The first team looking to dethrone Penn State is No. 12 Towson (21-15-1).
Earlier this season, the Tigers traveled to Happy Valley, but found the name to be misleading. The Icers pounded Towson two games in a row, winning 14-1 and 8-3.
However, the Tigers weren't the same team then that they are now. When the two teams met last, Towson was short six players due to either injury or suspension.
Penn State should feel right at home in Ames, as it returns to the place where, in 1998, it won its first of five championships in six years. But the team knows the competition won't be easy.
"This year's tournament is probably going to be the most competitive one that I've seen since the '98 tournament," Battista said. "This little streak that we're on started in Ames, and I'd certainly like to keep it going."
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