Coming into the World University Games, the USA hockey team was considered a huge underdog.

So, not many people were surprised to see the USA on the end of a lopsided 8-1 loss to Austria yesterday.

"They had to play the host team in the first round," said Penn State coach Joe Battista, who previously coached at the Games.

"Hopefully, they'll have their nerves out of the way."

According to Battista, one of the main reasons the USA is at a distinct disadvantage is the competition.

Some of the teams playing in the tournament have more experience -- not to mention a few former NHL players on their roster.

Still, there was at least one highlight-worthy moment for the USA.

It came compliments of a Penn State Icer.

Defenseman Joe Maglaque recorded a power-play goal with 1:27 remaining in the first period to put the USA on the scoreboard.

Penn State teammate Kevin Jaeger and North Dakota State's Nick Krebsbach added the assists on Maglaque goal, an exciting moment detracted only by the fact that it was the only one of the day the USA.

"Joe's a fierce competitor; he's got a tremendous shot," Battista said. "He has a real offensive instinct."

USA's offense did little else to impress spectators and was outshot 45-13.

Lindenwood's Mark Turnispeed came in to replace Illinois' Michael DeGeorge in goal in the third period and played solidly.

Turnispeed stopped a dozen pucks and allowed only one goal in the final frame.

And according to Battista, if the USA is going to come away with a win then it's going to have to come from one of the two goalies.

"Goaltending is such a key," he said. "Two years ago we benefited tremendously from the goaltending we had."

One of Battista's two goalies, Sean Bergstrand, was a Games veteran and was widely known for pulling off the "upset of the tournament" against Russia in 2001.

Russia outshot the USA 72-18, but USA came out on top, 4-2.

This thanks to Bergstrand's nearly flawless performance.

"It'll take that kind of an effort for the USA to be competitive," Battista said.

The USA squad isn't scheduled to play today.

It resumes competition tomorrow against Slovakia.