Icers coach Scott Balboni joked following Saturday's game his biggest concern about leaving the team for three weeks was having a loss credited to his record by temporary head coach Bill Downey.

Balboni, along with forwards Luke DeLorenzo and Jaime Zimmel, will miss Penn State's final two weekend series and the ESCHL League Playoffs to travel to Harbin, China, as an assistant coach for the United States in the World University Games. In his absence, Downey will be the team's temporary head coach.

"I think everything's in great hands," Balboni said.

"I think Billy will do a great job. I have no concerns whatsoever that everything will run as smooth as can be."

Downey, a former Penn State ACHA Division I Icers captain, joined the coaching staff prior to this season. As the team's only full-time assistant, Downey will take the reigns of the No. 2 ranked team in the country during the Icers' stretch run into the postseason.

Goalie Nick Signet said Downey's involvement with the team throughout the season will allow the transition to be a seamless one.

"Coach Downey basically runs practice, so I'm sure things won't change in that aspect," Signet said. "We'll have to wait and see what happens at the games this weekend, but I'm sure he'll do just fine."

The issue of temporarily changing coaches during the season was also minimized by Downey. Instead, he said one of his biggest concerns is the loss of DeLorenzo and Zimmel from a leadership perspective.

"Those guys both being seniors will probably be the biggest hit we'll take," Downey said. "Losing our alternate captain and another senior [is a concern], but there's 11 other seniors who can step up and be vocal if need be."

Downey said he and Balboni have discussed several factors involved in the transition, including who to put in the lineup from game-to-game and the day-to-day operation of the team.

He added the team is far enough along in the schedule that the players understand their responsibilities, leading to fewer lineup changes.

"We have similar mindsets in what we expect out of the players," Downey said. "Just because Coach is gone doesn't mean I'll change anything as far as that goes. The guys know I have a lot of expectations out of them."

Signet said the players' relationships with Downey will also help the team adjust to the transition.

"Everyone likes Downey and they know he's a good coach," Signet said. "I think we're just going to stick with what got us here -- I think things will pretty much stay the same while he's here."