Some of the Penn State ACHA Division I Icers said, "Christmas break couldn't come any sooner."

Despite having already played more games in the first semester than any other in team history, the Icers have their most challenging test of the semester tonight.

The No. 2 Icers are making sure to stay focused against No. 14 Niagara at 9 tonight in the Greenberg Ice Pavilion.

Niagara brings a 17-2 record with it to Happy Valley and two of

the most explosive players in the ACHA.

Forwards Eric Schottke and David DiMizio lead the Purple Eagles and are both in the top-five point leaders in the country with 47 and 45, respectively.

"They have two or three of the most talented players we've played against this year," Penn State coach Scott Balboni said. "For us it is about making sure our defensive zone coverage is shutdown, and if not they're going to capitalize on the opportunities."

The strength of Niagara's first line has led it to first place in the ECHL and has it thinking upset.

"Both guys are upperclassmen and have been seeing plenty of ice time on the top line and power play," Niagara coach Larry Brzeckowski said. "It's Eric's first year on the team, but he has been seeing 25 to 30 minutes of ice time a game, and both him and David are highly talented."

The Icers (18-1-3, 12-0-0 ESCHL) know they have to counter the talent of the first line to come away with a victory.

A key to slowing down Niagara is the Icers' depth and physical play that could pay dividends in the third period.

"They have some great players, but we just have to get in there and bang with them the entire game," Penn State forward Nate Obringer said. "We have to wear them down and use our third and fourth lines to our advantage."

The Icers believe there are only a handful of teams in the country that can match their depth, Balboni said. They are able to play four lines with six defensemen the whole game, compared to the other team's three lines.

Despite dominating many of their opponents, the Icers have had problems with 4-on-4 situations this year and focused on that aspect during practice this week. Niagara has taken a lot of penalties and Balboni envisions more 4-on-4 play than usual tonight, he said.

Brzeckowski knows his team has had success this season, but is ready to see just how far they have come against the No. 2 team in the country.

"We look forward to this game every year since Penn State is always at the top of the league," he said. "They're great recruiters and have great depth, but this is our chance to show how good we are."