Playing three games in less than 48 hours, two of them on the road, isn't a fun way for any of the Penn State ACHA Division I Icers to spend their weekend.

ACHA teams normally play two games a weekend in the same arena. The Icers won't have the same luxury starting tonight.

"Playing three games in three days at this level is a grind," Penn State forward Frank Berry said. "It's gonna be a long weekend."

This is the situation the No. 2 Icers (5-1-2, 4-0-0 ESCHL) face this weekend when they play Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 9 tonight at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion before traveling to play the Scranton Royals (2-5-0, 1-3-0) at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

After playing then-No. 2 Illinois and No. 4 Ohio in consecutive weeks, the Icers face two unranked teams this weekend.

IUP (4-5-1) plays Penn State for the first time since Oct. 21, 1983, when the Icers won 19-0. The other two are conference games with a Scranton team Penn State has already beaten 9-0 and 5-0 at home this season.

"We definitely want to stay mentally sharp as well as physically," Penn State forward Sean Kenney said. "Staying focused is something we have to improve on."

Focus and discipline issues have lingered around the team this season with the large influx of penalty minutes. The team is looking to get back to basics and start doing all the little things right, Berry said. Not taking penalties and keeping one's composure is something that's a must.

The Icers have to overcome the fatigue of the games by keeping their shifts short and getting everybody in the game, Penn State coach Scott Balboni said.

Freshman Teddy Hume started in net for junior Nick Signet last Saturday against Ohio to give the team a spark, and Balboni plans to work all three of his goaltenders into the net. Freshman John Jay may also get a look, Balboni said.

"I haven't decided which goalies will start which games, but I do plan on dressing all three," he said. "It's important for everyone to get ice time."

The biggest key to the games this weekend is the Icers staying out of the penalty box. Too many penalty minutes this year have led to some extra scoring opportunities for the opposition, and if they are going to remain fresh, it's important not to be short-handed, Balboni said.

Penn State is making sure to keep its focus on the Crimson Hawks and the Royals this weekend to secure victory.

"The key to winning is discipline and playing our game," Balboni said. "If we cut down the penalties and play our systems, we will have success."