With two games against No. 2 Illinois looming next week, the No. 1 Penn State ACHA Division I Icers couldn't afford to look past a Drexel team that was looking for its first-ever victory against the Icers.
Mission accomplished.
Penn State maintained its dominance, defeating Drexel 7-1 in both games. The contests were held at Penn Ice Rink in the Class of 1923 Arena. The victories move the Icers' all-time record against Drexel to 18-0-0.
"You can never overlook an opponent," Penn State junior Luke DeLorenzo said. "We had to stay focused and play one shift at a time in order to win."
The No. 1 Icers (4-0-0, 4-0-0 ACHA) got off to a slow start Friday night after arriving at the arena only 30 minutes before the puck dropped. Despite the start, they managed to open a three-goal lead at the end of the first period.
By the end of the game, the Icers had extended the lead to six goals and play had become physical. The team had to prepare itself for the next night when Drexel would come out aggressive.
The Icers weren't phased by the hard hitting, as they jumped to a quick lead because of their power play. Their first three goals were scored on the power play by forwards DeLorenzo and Jaime Zimmel and defenseman Keith Jordan.
"We put out a great effort all weekend long," Penn State coach Scott Balboni said. "Last season we had a tendency to come out slow on Saturday's second game and get in trouble. This weekend we kept the intensity high throughout."
After the team grabbed the lead, it never looked back, going on to win with solid defense and a steady offensive attack.
The Icers outshot the Dragons in both games and managed to work in many of their younger players.
Goaltenders Edward Hume and John Jay both saw action after the Icers had the game in hand. The starting goalie, junior Nick Signet, continued his stellar play for Penn State and will get the nod next week at Illinois.
One of the most impressive performances was from the younger players, Balboni said. He knew it was important to get them playing time, so they could become accustomed to the speed of college hockey. He said they are now ready.
