The ACHA Division II Ice Lions are ready to take the ice tomorrow to face off against New York University, but they have no worries about playing one of their biggest competitors.

After winning against New York University last season, the Ice Lions are confident about their upcoming game. They're set to take on the New York Violets at 9:15 p.m. tomorrow at the Greenburg Ice Pavilion.

"They're good every year and play us very tough," said Ice Lions coach Pat Fung. "We have never played badly against them."

Due to the loss of 11 graduating seniors, the Ice Lions (2-1) are still playing tough offensively and defensively.

Junior defenseman Tony Rossi, who is preparing for the big game, also said the offense is looking strong this season.

"Our forwards are fast and get the job done," he said.

With 9-1 and 4-0 victories over C.W. Post and Central Connecticut State this season, the offense has proved that they are not afraid to show what they can do. However, the defense is the Ice Lions' main focus for this game.

"We are cutting out mistakes, and are mainly concentrating on defense," said Fung.

Rossi believes that the defense is going to do well. With a solid defense, he said that the team is taking this game seriously and thinks that they are strong physically and persistent. The Ice Lions have been practicing with fast pace passing drills and a lot of communication.

"We have goals, and they are coming from hard work," he said.

The Ice Lions' primary goal is to limit their penalties. With more than 30 penalties this season, the team understands it has to improve upon those numbers.

Although the Ice Lions have shown their weakness through penalties, past games this season have demonstrated strengths such as competitiveness and control.

"We have a lot of depth. We are faster and we wear a lot of teams down," Fung said.

Those strengths are going to be illustrated through the performances by many of the players.

There are nine seniors on the team this season, and Fung is looking forward to seeing how well they play. Those seniors include goaltender Dan Koletsky, forward Jim McClain, and defensemen Bryan Kemmerer and Andrew Ward.