Even though it was way back when his Afro was in full effect, Joe Battista can still vividly remember his senior day as an Icer.

"I cried my eyes out, it was very emotional. You try to stay focused on the game, and then I got out there for the actual introduction and it was hard," Battista said.

Tomorrow, seven seniors will play in their final home game at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion against Washington & Jefferson. The seven are comprised of two fifth-year seniors, two second-year transfer players and three guys who have played for four straight years.

Among the seven is senior captain Kevin Jaeger. As it stands, Jaeger is second all-time on the Icers goal-scoring list with 125.

"Jaeger's brought a lot of excitement to this rink, he's scored some big goals during his career . . . he's certainly the gem of the class," Battista said.

Jaeger's exploits on the ice have been well documented throughout his career. But a couple of his teammates have, at best, struggled to even play on senior day. Chris Rome is one such player.

Rome has suffered through an injury-riddled senior year with the Icers. He feels fortunate that he's finally healthy enough to play.

"With all the injuries, any game I can get into is huge for me. I never got to do this in high school . . . it'll be special," Rome said.

Battista said he always remembers some unique things about each graduating class he's had since he's been head coach here.

He calls senior Greg Windsor the unsung hero of the bunch. For three straight seasons, Windsor has been the recipient of The John Dufford ICE (Intense, Consistent, Effort) Award, given to the Icer who displays maximum effort day in and day out.

In his eyes, Garret Divins is a guy who'll be remembered as more of a role player. But his efforts this year as a checking forward have been beneficial.

Battista wants his seniors to enjoy the day, but hopes they remember there's a game to win. Because he forgot, too.

"We were behind a couple goals because we were all preoccupied and then it was like, OK, we got a hockey game to win," Battista said.

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, the Icers have cemented their spot as the No. 2 seed at nationals, which the seniors can definitely look forward to.

"I hope they just take it all in and enjoy it and remember how lucky they are that they got to play college hockey," Battista said.