It's time for another round of Ten Question Thursday. This week we talked to senior Luke DeLorenzo.

(And if anyone has a better name for this segment, please let us know. We think "Ten Question Thursday" is as lame as you do.)

If not hockey, what sport would you be playing?

Good question. When I was younger I played baseball until I was 12. Through high school I played golf. Probably golf or baseball I'd say.

What is your favorite place to eat in town?

I would have to say Roxy's in East Halls. Swiss cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese. We eat there usually every Friday before our home games.

What is your favorite class taken at Penn State?

Probably KINES 202. It's a functional anatomy class. It's anatomy with a little bit of physiology and biomechanics mixed in.

Do you have any hidden talents most people don't know about?

I can do a split. I don't know if I have any other hidden talents -- that's pretty much it.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

My favorite hockey player ever is Mario Lemieux. He came to Pittsburgh the year before I was born. I'm a Pens fan, so Sidney Crosby, which is tough to say because I've played against him before, and Alexei Kovalev of the Montreal Canadiens. I played in the same tournament as (Crosby) when I was a senior in high school.

What is your favorite Coach Balboni quirk?

Oh my God. (Laughs). My recent favorite is probably whenever we need to know which power play is going up, he says "umbrella" then holds his hand like he's holding an umbrella. He also refers to our warm-up pants as "wooshy-wooshy" pants. And he has that Boston accent, so he says "r" when he means "w" and "w" when he means "r". Instead of saying "draw" he says "drar" and instead of "car" he says "caw". He has a lot. If you continue that question throughout the season you'll find a new Coach Balboni quirk every week.

What is your prediction on how Penn State's football team will do for the rest of the season?

I think that they're definitely going to be tested in the next three games. Having a bye week helps and my prediction is they'll finish undefeated. I think the only thing they can do is take care of their own business. I think they definitely have a good chance to play in the National Championship game. The strength of schedule in the last three or four games for Texas and Alabama is tough, so I think they definitely have a great chance of making the National Championship game.

In the movie of your life, who plays your girlfriend?

(Laughs). Who plays my girlfriend? I'm going to have to say Jessica Alba. No, Jessica Simpson. Can I have more than one girlfriend? (Laughs). We'll go with Jessica Simpson.

Who is the biggest ladies man on the team?

Oh man. I would have to say the biggest ladies man is John Jay. Maybe. He's just smooth, I don't know. He's got what it takes.

Who has the best nickname on the team?

The best nickname by far is Andrew Magulick, who's usually nicknamed "Magoo", but in the past year everybody's been calling him "MacGaff" because he works at the Shandygaff.

-Patrick

Just to wrap this weekend's series up I thought I'd post some quotes I got from Navy's head coach Mike Fox. These quotes are from Wednesday, so they're a little dated, but Coach Fox gave me some interesting insight into what it's like to coach at a military academy.

Is it difficult to recruit players to come to the Naval Academy?

Absolutely it is. We have one rule for example where a student who wants to come in has to take a full year that would transfer into the school. We're geared to engineering. Kids that are pretty good hockey players go on and play some juniors. That would make them academically ineligible here. The regiment with the military aspect and the commitment after you have to want to be in the navy. We get some very good talent that wants to play and for some reasons we can't look at them.

Your team is known for its physical conditioning. Could you talk about how different hockey shape is from the physical conditioning the players do with the Academy?

They do a lot of extracurricular activities, but the reality is we have to get in hockey condition. There's a difference in having to put a backpack on and going on a ten mile run versus going on the ice and going full speed nonstop with quick movements. It seems to me they skated around us pretty well a couple times last year. We have a good group of guys. Some of my upper class might be in command of a group and have to balance hockey with that and the curriculum and everything else the want to do. In some cases it's good because they can come out and clear their heads and just skate. We're really proud of the guys and I don't think they'll ever give up. Our hope is we can stay in the game with a team as talented as Penn State and sneak a few through.

Could you talk about your relationship with Penn State coach Scott Balboni?

I got to know him a little bit better (at the World University Games tryouts). We've met and talked. Certainly more at the World's, which was great. I know him, I consider him a friend in the coaching industry. I like him, I think he knows his hockey - certainly knows his defense. He runs a tight ship.

Could you talk about your expectations for your team this year?

Our expectations are we've got a group of upper class men without a lot of experience. In a league with great talent in Penn State, Rhode Island, Delaware, Drexel. We've been trying to play most of the teams in the top twenty and hold our own to let people know we're on our way up. We certainly want to be in the playoffs in our league. We'd like to make a good run at the end to take that. Maybe we can squeak into the top sixteen. With the support we've gotten from the midshipmen I know they're trying to make that move.

Coach Fox is in his second year as head coach of Navy, and it's obvious from talking to him that he's a coach who commands the respect of his players. And maybe it's just me, but it's also interesting to note that the coach of Navy said Scott Balboni "runs a tight ship".

-Patrick

While the Icers were busy beating the Navy Midshipmen this weekend, the No.1 Illinois Fightin' Illini were struggling with the No. 13 University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos. After rallying from a 3-1 deficit Friday night to win 4-3, the Illini ran out of gas Saturday, losing to the Bronchos 6-4.

The loss ends the Illini's 47 game winning streak. The streak included a perfect 38-0 season last year that resulted in a national championship and a 9-0 start this year.

It seemed to only be a matter of time before the Illini finally went down after they struggled in last Friday's game against Ohio State, falling behind 2-1 before rallying to win 4-2. OSU was in the game right until the end, though, but an empty-net goal by Illinois with 3 seconds left pushed the score to 4-2.

With the new rankings coming out just before the loss yesterday, Illinois will remain No. 1 for the time being. Lindenwood remained No. 2 and Penn State stayed at No. 3.

Although it may lose a little mystique with the Illini's winning streak coming to an end, Illinois still comes to Happy Valley for a highly anticipated two-game clash with the Icers Jan. 16-17.

The next set of rankings will be released Nov. 7. Should be interesting to see the first mix-up at the top of the rankings this season.

-Paul

As Pat mentioned in his preview of this weekend's games, there's something else happening in the Icers' family -- former goalie and fan favorite Chris Matteo is getting married.

I caught up with the ever-personable goalie this past weekend and chatted about his return to State College, this year's team and the goalie position battle.

Enjoy.

Why are you in town? Homecoming?

Homecoming, yeah. I actually came into town to get my marriage license. We're getting married next week at the Nittany Lion Inn. The homecoming thing, it's nice to do also.

How are you enjoying yourself so far, being back?

I love being back. Just seeing the guys, it's great. Seeing everybody who's been involved with the program for so long. I see the same faces from when I was a freshman. The same smiling faces that greeted you when you were nervous and playing your first game here, these are the same people that are involved. You see them all the time and that's terrific. When you come back, they're still just as dedicated, just as crazed about Penn State hockey as they ever have been. That's what's great, knowing that the program's in great hands and there's a bunch of great guys that are on the bench that want to make sure it keeps getting better.

What are you doing nowadays?

Actually, I work for Merrill Lynch. They've certainly been challenging times, over there, but I'm learning a lot. I'm having a great time and it's certainly great to be back, that's for sure.

How do you think this year's team looks?

I think they look good. I think they have a lot of speed. I think they look like they move the puck real well. The really great Penn State teams that we've had in the past, they've been fantastic puck movers and they let the puck do the work for them. These guys seem to be doing that. I think they've got a lot of promise.

Your thoughts on the goalie battle?

Teddy's certainly come in here and played real well. He's certainly made a name for himself at goalie, but Nick Signet is a fantastic goalie and there's no accounting for experience. He's a senior and in the end, it's just going to come down to who's playing better, but with two goalies that play as well as these guys, the days of a small goalie here are over. These guys are both big guys. They play well. They take up a lot of space. The team is very lucky to have two goalies like that.

I speak for all of us here at Between The Pipes, congratulations and good luck Mr. Matteo.

- Dean

NOTE: This is the first of a weekly series.

So I really hate this name. Any suggestions from the faithful "Between The Pipes" readers?

Anyways, in the interest of giving you, the readers, a better taste of what we reporters have to deal with when we're around the team, we've decided to do a 10-question Q&A with a member of the No. 3 Penn State Division I Icers each week.

First up: Senior Goalie Nick Signet.

If not hockey, what sport would you be playing?

Definitely golf. They do the least work and the get to hang around golf courses all day and kind of hang out and hope for the best.

What's your handicap?

Noooo. None of that. I just play. I didn't say I was good. I play.

Favorite place to eat in town?

Le Bistro. It's the best kept secret in State College, right there. Their paninis, they're really good. They've got the Monte Cristo, which is like French toast with like ham and turkey and cheese and you dunk it in syrup. It's great.

Favorite class you've taken at Penn State?

It would be a toss-up between my sports writing class, because in the first three weeks of class we had a conference about bowling, went bowling and then went to a Pirate game. So that, or my sports media and society class.

Any hidden talents? We know you play hockey, kind of how we know Graham Spanier is the president of Penn State but he likes to do magic.

I don't do magic. I saw his magic tricks first-hand. I don't really have any hidden talents. I don't have any double joints or anything. I don't know. Why am I so stumped by a hidden talent question? I can point my big toe up and all the rest of my toes down. There you go, because I was just doing it right now.

Favorite hockey player?

Roberto Luongo. He's kind of the face of the Vancouver Canucks. He's an integral part of turning that team around and now they've named him captain, which is kind of cool, too.

Favorite Coach Balboni quirk?

How he says "schwivel." He'll tell you to keep your head on a "schwivel." That's one of my favorite quirks of his. I guess it's like a Boston thing, but still, it's swivel. IT'S SWIVEL.

Pick in the World Series?

I'd like to see Tampa. Going from worst to best, that would be cool. So I'll say Tampa, and just because they beat the Red Sox and [Craig] Brooks loves the Red Sox.

In the movie of your life, who plays your girlfriend?

I think if I had to choose, it'd be Eva Mendes. She'd play my girlfriend.

Who is the biggest ladies man on the team?

The biggest ladies man on the team? (Laughs) The biggest ladies man on the team... (Laughs some more). Man. I'd say Matt Kirstein, he's got a girlfriend, though. He knows the most ladies FOR SURE. I'd say [Chris] Pronchik is the biggest ladies man WITHOUT a girlfriend, but with a girlfriend, Matt Kirstein.

The best nickname on the team?

People call Kirstein, "The Grey One," it kind of went along with Wayne Gretzky's "The Great One," because last year he wore grey EVERY single practice, no matter what it was. No matter what team we were playing, he was on the Grey Line and we still kind of call him "The Grey One."

- Dean

The Icers knocked off Pitt Friday night 10-3, but the mood in the locker room after the game wasn't as positive as you might expect. Coach Balboni and several players made it clear that despite the large margin of victory, Penn State still needs to fix some things. Here's how we graded the team's performance against the Panthers.

Forwards: A

It's tough to say anything negative when a team scores 10 goals, especially against a team that was ranked No. 24 in the ACHA. Chris Cerutti had a coming-out party, notching a hat trick and throwing in an assist for good measure. Paul Daley (2 goals, assist) and Matt Kirstein (goal, 4 assists) also played extremely well. Kirstein's physical play throughout the game also played a key role in the Icers' offensive outburst. Penn State racked up 37 shots on goal in the game.

Defensemen: B-

The Icers allowed Pitt several 1-on-1 opportunities throughout the game and seemed to take poor angles when trying to stop Pitt's advances into Penn State's zone. They also had trouble clearing the puck out at times. On a positive note, Penn State only allowed Pitt to register 19 shots in the contest.

Goalies: B-

Teddy Hume played all 60 minutes, allowing three goals on 19 shots. While Pitt didn't pepper him with a ton of shots, Hume did allow several rebound opportunities. To be fair, he did shut down the Panthers on a number of 1-on-1 chances.

Special Teams: A

The Icers killed each of Pitt's five power plays and scored on one of their two chances. Penn State did a good job of applying pressure while shorthanded and Ryan Paradis' power play goal late in the second period pushed the Icers' lead to 8-2.

- Patrick

Sorry we weren't able to do the live blog of tonight's game against the No. 24 Pitt Panthers. We had a little trouble getting internet access and some other things worked out tonight, but it was the first home game of the season and the place was pretty crazy, so hopefully we can get that up and running for the rest of the season.

Some quick things of note before I go out and enjoy the Friday night life (which I hear is pretty good around here with the Michigan tomorrow and everything):

- First, and most important, the Icers won the game 10-3.

- Sophomore Taylor Cera (knee) and senior captain Frank Berry (back) were both scratched from tonight's roster due to injury.

- Teddy Hume got the start in goal, but the Panthers scored less than a minute into the game and Teddy wasn't as pleased with his performance as he would have liked to be. Balboni says the goalie competition is still open.

Look Who's In the Stands

Penn State President Graham Spanier was in attendance at tonight's game and I was able to catch up with him for a few seconds during the second intermission. He had people to go and places to see, or something along those lines...but anyways here's what he had to say about the Icers and Penn State fans:

"Hockey's a sport that I didn't play growing up, so I love to come because I learn something everytime I do. I try to sit next to knowledgable people."

"The thing I really like about hockey here at Penn State is the atmosphere. We have people that are just so dedicated, they love the sport and the fans here are great fans."

"A club sport and it's 11 at night and the place is full. I think it's great."

So there ya have it. Even though President Spanier might not be the most die-hard hockey fan, he's pretty sure he's surrounded by those who are.

Well that's all for tonight, all the yelling and loud music I hear outside is just calling my name. Make sure to check Monday's Collegian and back here on the blog for more coverage on Cera and Berry, the ongoing goalie competition and the contributions the Icers are getting from its younger players and, then again, just about everyone who puts on an Icers uniform this year.

-Paul

Well, here we go. I've got a big bowl of Cap'n Crunch in front of me and the Icers are about to take the ice for a little Sunday morning hockey, what more could I ask for? (Other than a couple more hours of sleep, maybe).

Anyways, a few quick hits before the radio broadcast of the game gets underway:

- As expected, Nick Signet will start in goal today for the Icers, meaning they will use three different goalies in as many games this weekend as they continue to look for the one who gives them the best chance to win.

- Today's opponent, University of Michigan-Dearborn, is coming off a 6-5 loss yesterday to Penn State Berks. Berks actually took West Virginia University to a shootout at the showcase on Friday night, eventually losing to WVU in eight rounds.

The puck is about to drop in West Chester, check back throughout the game for updates as they happen.

An interesting thing of note: Apparently one of today's officials is an ex-Lady Icer. I would think that could be an advantage for Penn State, if anything, but then again maybe she'll favor UM-Dearborn a little bit, so she doesn't appear to be too biased toward the Icers.

1st Period

The announcers seem surprised the first 1 minute, 30 seconds of this game have been "slow-moving." If only they could see me slouched over in this chair, with my eyes half-open right now. I know they're hockey players, but that much activitiy on a Sunday morning just doesn't sit very well with your average college student. Slow start is no surprise to me.

Powerplay for the Icers coming up, let's see if that can spark the team.

No go on that plan, UM-Dearborn kills off the penalty with little threat from the Icers. Doesn't seem as if either team is dominating play early on with teams exchanging shots.

GOAL! UM-Dearborn, perhaps skating with a little momentum from killing off the Icers power play, slipped one past Signet to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. The Icers trail for the first time this weekend.

And penalties continue to plague the Icers today, as Brent Tranter just picked up an interference penalty. The Wolves have a big opportunity here, already with a 1-0 lead and now a chance to widen that lead on the powerplay.

Well, Tranter is out of the penalty box, and the score is still 1-0. UM-Dearborn's best scoring chance came on a shot right as Tranter was leaving the box, but Signet shut the door to keep it a one-goal game.

The Icers are finally putting together an offensive attack, but still have nothing to show for it. A big part of that may be UM-Dearborn's goalie, Stephen Yu, who is Dearborn's lone representative to Team USA for the World University Games. Forwards Luke DeLorenzo and Jaime Zimmel, along with defenseman Stephen Thursdton, will represent Penn State at the Games. So, let's see if the two forwards can upstage their future teammate in goal.

The game is tied. And you'll never guess who did it...Brent Tranter! What a story this has been this weekend. Tranter, a senior defenseman, who had not scored in his first three years at Penn State, finally scored a goal Friday night, but it turns out his shot that night was actually deflected in by Steve Peck. So, although Tranter was credited with his first goal, he still wanted to get another one that was "legit."

And now, less than two days later, he did.

Tranter scoring the Icers' first goal of the night is certainly a huge lift for the team. This is a guy whose teammates have been waiting more than three years for him to net a goal, so needless to say the bench was pretty excited as that play developed, swarming Tranter as he came back to the bench, according to the radio broadcast.

Well the spark from the Tranter goal was just negated by yet another Icer penalty. And, then not too long after, ANOTHER Icer penalty to give the Wolves a 5-on-3 powerplay. And there it is, sure enough, just seconds later, the Wolves score to regain the lead, 2-1. They still have another 40 seconds left on a regular 5-on-4 power play, as well.

And that's it for the first period of play. A different story today for the Icers, who have not only not trailed after the opening period of this showcase, but had at least a three-goal lead in both games so far.

Should be interesting to see how the Icers respond to playing from behind after back-to-back routs. We'll be back after the intermission, stay tuned.

2nd Period

The second period is underway. I don't know what was said in the locker room during that intermission, but I think it's safe to say I'm happy I wasn't in there when coach Balboni was addressing his team.

The 11 a.m. starting time is likely contributing to the slow start of this game for both teams. After all, most games are played on Friday and Saturday nights. Definitely a different situation presented by this showcase.

Tied again! Another unlikely suspect on this goal, sophomore Chris Pronchik, with his first of the season. Unassisted goal after he got a steal, skated right in on net and slipped one past Yu. 2-2.

And this time the tie doesn't even last a minute. UM-Dearborn scores almost immediately after the Pronchik goal, following an Icers miscue in their own zone. 3-2, Wolves.

Icers pnlty. Sorry, those keys are just getting a little worn out on my keyboard after these last two days. Hopefully, you get the general idea. Wolves power play.

Icers kill off the penalty. Even though they have given up a few power play goals over the last two days, for the amount of penalties they have had, these guys have done a reasonably decent job on the penalty kill.

Back to full strength, but certainly no benefit there for Penn State. Dearborn scores again. 4-2.

Leading the way for the Wolves right now is freshman Mike Macari, who just notched his third goal of the game. Along with the hat trick, he also had an assist on Dearborn's only other goal.

Yet another Wolves goal. 5-2.

And to add injury to insult, another Icer penalty. Wolves power play.

Wolves power play goal. 6-2.

There is a lot of time left in this game, and the Icers has shown it has the offensive ability to put a lot of goals on the board in a hurry, so I wouldn't say this game is over, but it certainly is unfamiliar territory for the Icers right now.

Goalie change. Signet is out, Teddy Hume is in. Although the six goals in less than two full periods doesn't look well for Signet, it should go on the stat sheet with an asterisk. Too many penalties on the Icers, not enough offensive pressure and just a lackluster effort so far didn't give Signet much of a chance today.

The Icers are finally putting some pressure on the Dearborn defense and starting to test Yu, who has made a couple save in the last minute. Still 6-2, Wolves, though.

Not anymore. 7-2, Wolves. The Icers appeared to be showing some signs of life finally, but that last Wolves goal has really got to demoralize the team.

A near goal for the Wolves slides just wide, and the Icers take the puck up to the other end and score! Matt Kirstein gets a big goal to close the gap to 7-3.

Penalty on Dearborn with 2:03 remaining in the second period. Macari, the Wolves' offensive star so far, goes off for elbowing. Icers go on the power play with a chance to get right back in this thing before the second intermission.

Another Dearborn penalty. A 5-on-3 situation now for the Icers. The Wolves are handing the Icers an opportunity to get back in this game.

No success on that power play yet, as the second period ends. The 5-on-3 is over, but the Icers will still have a regular 5-on-4 powerplay for about a minute to start the third.

Stay tuned, we'll be back after the intermission.

3rd Period

Well when I said I wouldn't have wanted to be in the locker room with the Icers after the first period, I never thought the second would go the way it did. If I had to pick one or the other, I'd gladly take a spot in there during the first intermission rather than this second intermission. After giving up five goals in the second, Balboni undoubtedly had some harsh words for his team during that intermission.

57 seconds left on that power play. And Signet is back in net for the Icers now.

Here we go. 20 minutes on the clock. Let's see which Icers team takes the ice: the 16-1 winners from friday night or the team that has given up seven goals in two periods today.

Wolves almost put this one away. They put the puck in the back of the net, but the goal was waved off, as the Wolves kicked it in with their skate. Can't do that. Still 7-3.

15 minutes left in regulation. Back-and-forth action right now, neither team putting a lot of shots on net so far this period.

Kirstein another one! His second of the day, and the score is a more manageable 7-4 now. It's by no means over, but the Icers can score goals in a hurry, especially when you consider none of the four goals today have come from Penn State's top goal scorers. So if those guys get it going, watch out, it could be an exciting finish.

Here come the Icers! And just as predicted, an offensive power is on the board for the Icers. DeLorenzo puts another one past Yu and the score is 7-5.

Two goals in 1:07. And even though Dearborn still has a two-goal lead, the Wolves got to be getting worried about their quickly disappearing lead here.

12:05 to go.

The Wolves just answered the Icers' recent rally with a goal of their own, pushing it back to a three-goal game, 8-5. Huge goal to end all the momentum the Icers gained with those two quick goals.

Not looking good right now for the Icers. Neither team on much of an attack, as the play has been relatively calm over the last few minutes with a lot of back-and-forth clearing action.

A few shots on goal now for Penn State, but Yu keeps turning them away. Five minutes left now.

A 4-on-1 break for the Icers, and the one Wolf stops the four Icers, deflecting a pass away. Not going to get a better chance than that.

3:45 left. Jaime Zimmel fires a shot wide. Signet leaves the ice, as the Icers pull its goalie for the extra skater.

Penn State has been able to keep the puck in Dearborn's zone right now, but goal No. 6 continues to elude this team. DeLorenzo denied by Yu right in front. Two minutes to go.

Thurston has the puck taken away from him and a Dearborn player skated alone into the Icer zone and buried it in the empty net. 9-5.

Signet back in the goal now with the game out of reach. Icers penalty. Wolves power play.

And that's it. UM-Dearborn beats up on the Icers this afternoon. The same UM-Dearborn team that lost to Penn State - Berks yesterday, 6-5. No doubt a tough loss for the Icers, and Balboni will certainly let his team know all about it in the time leading up to Friday night's game against Pitt.

Final score: Wolves 9, Icers 5.

Check tomorrow's Collegian for full coverage of this weekend's games. Hopefully I'll see some of you out at the Ice Pavilion Friday night for the Icers' season opener. Until then, be sure to check back here and keep an eye out in the Collegian for full Icers coverage.

-Paul

Well, the Icers are just underway on day two of the ACHA Showcase. The opponent tonight is the No. 17 Robert Morris Colonials. A few things of note here to get it started:

-Taylor Cera, injured in the closing minutes of last night's 16-1 rout, is not in the lineup. We'll see if we can get a more official report on him at some point today, but can't make any guarantees since the team is on the road until tomorrow night.

-After starting John Jay at goalie last night, Coach Balboni is going with the other sophomore tonight, Teddy Hume. I would assume that means we'll see Nick Signet tomorrow, with balboni giving each of his three goalies one start this weekend. Jay played well last night after giving up his only goal on Adrian's first shot of the game. He wasn't tested very often by the Bulldogs, but was successful when he was.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the game, which we will bring you based off the radio broadcast of the games.

1st Period

Goal! The Icers are on the board first, the result of a Tim O'Brien goal just over eight minutes in. Should be interesting to see if this goal gets the ball (puck?) rolling for the Icer offense like that first goal did last night or if Robert Morris can answer and keep this one close. 1-0 , Icers.

Ryan Paradis. For pronunciaton, think "paradise." I don't know what they did to the 'e' at the end, but it's pronounced the same. Either way, get to know the name. This kid has looked great in the first two games of the weekend. He just notched his first goal of this game after scoring two last night. 2-0.

And the rout is on. Brandon Rubeo nets a power-play goal to push the lead to 3-0 in the first.

The first period ended with a flurry of action. Robert Morris showed some promise on a power play, testing Hume with a couple of quick shots, but the power play ended early after Robert Morris picked up a penalty for taking a dive. Then, just seconds later they picked up a high-sticking penalty, so in a matter of 30 seconds they went from attacking on the power play to going on the defensive short-handed.

End of one in West Chester, Icers lead 3-0.

2nd Period

Well, with the two late penalties on Robert Morris to end the first, the Icers are starting this period on a short 5-on-3 advantage.

One man is out of the box, no damage done. But the Icers will still have a normal power play for another 1:17.

The Colonials are taking themselves out of this game. As that power play ended, Robert Morris had a player come off the bench at the same time the player came out of the penalty box and nobody went off. So basically, they had six skaters on the ice and you can't do that. Back on the power play for the Icers.

Nevermind, Steve Peck picks up a penalty just seconds later, negating the power play. 4-on-4 now.

Penalties, penalties, penalties. So far that's been the story here in the second. Tripping on Carey Bell, another Icer penalty. 4-on-3 power play for Robert Morris for 43 seconds, then they will have a short 5-on-3 advantage.

Well Robert Morris dominated play during that power play, but came away with nothing to show for it. Both teams are back to full strength, still 3-0 Icers. 14:36 left.

Yet another penalty. This one on Robert Morris. The second period has been very slow-paced so far, with play constantly being stopped by whistles - usually to call a penalty.

Robert Morris kills off another penalty. 7:37 left in the period.

Icers penalty for interference. Robert Morris power play.

Goal! The Colonials finally cash in on one of these power play oppourtunities. Slap shot from the blue line got by Hume. 3-1.

Another Icer penalty. Robert Morris starts a power play, looking to make this a one-goal game.

And they do! Another power-play goal for Robert Morris and all the sudden, this is a 3-2 hockey game.

If I said the Icers got another penalty would you even believe me at this point? Interference call on the Icers as they were bringing the puck into the Robert Morris zone. Robert Morris power play with 1:47 left.

Icers penalty. Unbelievable. Holding called on the Icers, 5-on-3 for Robert Morris with just 8 seconds left in the period.

End of the second.

Robert Morris controls action in the second period. Scoring two goals to make it a 3-2 game. And, more importantly perhaps, Robert Morris will start the third period on a 5-on-3 advantage. Never would have guessed this game could go down to the wire when the Icers jumped out to that 3-0 lead in the first, but that's the way it's looking now. Stay tuned, we'll be back for the start of the third.

3rd Period

Robert Morris starts the period on a 5-on-3 power play. It will only last 19 seconds before the Icers get one of its men back, and then Robert Morris will still have a normal 5-on-4 power play for another 1 minute, 33 seconds.

With Robert Morris' only two goals tonight coming on the power play, the first two minutes of this third period could be a huge turning point in the game for either team, depending on what happens on the remainder of this power play.

Well the third period is underway.

Not much of a threat, despite that power play situation for Robert Morris. Icers handle it well, back to full strength on both sides, still 3-2, Icers.

Icers goal! Tim O'Brien scores his second of the night and the Icers offense awakes from its one period hiatus. Huge goal for the Icers, giving them a little breathing room and extending the lead to 4-2.

The third period is starting to look a lot like the first, with the Icers controlling the action offensively. They just rang a shot off the post. Still 4-2, though.

Robert Morris certainly isn't going away without a fight. Putting pressure on right now, had an opportunity in front, but Hume turns it away.

And moments after the Hume save, DeLorenzo nets a goal pushing the score to 5-2 and all but putting this one away.

What a series of events, Robert Morris was on the attack with a chance to make it a one-goal game again, but the Icers get it out of their zone and push it up the ice and register a quick goal, taking the wind right out of Robert Morris' sails.

5:32 left. Hume covers a loose puck in front and there will be a faceoff coming up in the Icer zone. Icers win it and clear it out.

The teams trade late goals, Icers now leading 6-3.

A couple shots fired on net here in the closing minute by Robert Morris, but Hume makes a couple of stops and covers up for the faceoff.

And that's it, Icers win again.

Final score: Icers 6, Colonials 3.

Postgame Tidbits

"I don't think we played well at all tonight, over the entire game. We came out thinking we were a great hockey team cause we won 16-1 last night, but forgot the score started over 0-0 tonight." (Coach Balboni, on the smaller margin of victory in tonight's game)

"The one bright spot was at least we came back out in the third and did the little things right to win the game. Sometimes good teams have to win ugly and that's definitely what we had to do tonight." (Coach Balboni)

Well that's all for tonight's coverage. Check back tomorrow for more live coverage when the Icers take on UM-Dearborn at 11 a.m. Hey, I'll be enjoying the football game tonight as much as the rest of you, and if I can roll out of bed that early (yes, 11 a.m. on a Sunday is early), and bring you live coverage then you could at least return the favor and tune in for awhile.

-Paul

The No. 3 Penn State ACHA Division I Icers have gotten off to a quick start in this weekend's 3-day ACHA showcase. Opening play against No. 25 Adrian, the Icers lead 7-1 after just one period of play, outshooting the Bulldogs 15-3.

The majority of the first period was spent deep in the Adrian zone with the Icers continuously on the offensive. The second period is just under way now, stay tuned for more updates throughout the night.

Oh wait, the Icers just scored again before I could even post this. 8-1.

2nd Period

The Icers just scored three goals in 46 seconds to make the score 11-1. Ryan Paradis scored his second goal of the night (after scoring his first career goal in the first), which was followed seconds later by Nick Seravalli's first career goal and then then Matt Kirstein capped off the scoring streak just moments later.

Not much reistance right now from the Bulldogs. The Icers won consecutive faceoffs after the Paradis and Seravalli goals, skated right into the Adrian zone and put the puck in the back of the net before the Adrian defenders even knew what hit them.

A sign of life for Adrian, however, they just killed off an Icer power play.

3 minutes left in the second.

The second period is over and the score is still 11-1. The Icers only managed to fire eight shots on goal in the second...but scored on four of those. When your shooting percentage in hockey is almost as high as Shaq's free-throw percentage, your really on to something. Given, Shaq's free-throw percentage isn't exactly great, but scoring on 50-percent of your shots over an entire period is exceptional.

With an 11-1 lead, it should be interesting to see if the Icers call off the dogs (no pun intended) in the third period or if they continue to let their younger guys get some work and build their confidence.

3rd Period

The Icers didn't waste much time in the third before registering goal No. 12. After picking up a penalty for too many men on the ice, having only four skaters on the ice to Adrian's five didn't seem to slow the Icers' attack. 12-1. 15 minutes left.

After a non-eventful opening 10 minutes to the third period, the Icers just got about as excited as you'll ever see a team get over a goal when they are already leading 12-1. Brent Tranter, a senior defenseman, just scored his first career goal with Penn State. The team has tried getting him a goal in the past, moving him up to forward in a couple blowout games last year, but that goal had always seemed to elude him.

Not anymore. Well, that goal made it 13-1, but in the one minute it took me to write that little piece about Tranter, the Icers reverted to their earlier form scoring twice in 1:19 to make it 15-1. Goal No. 15 was Luke DeLorenzo's third of the game for the hat trick.

As the page was loading the new update, Steve Peck added another one. 16-1 with four minutes left.

Cera Injury

With all things going smoothly and the Icers coasting to an easy victory, it's hard to imagine the Icers could be worried about anything, but that's the case right now. Sophomore forward Taylor Cera just went down with a knee injury with just over 2 minutes left in the game.

Cera was helped off the ice by teammates DeLorenzo and Paul Daley. Obviously there's no word on the extent of his injury at this point, but it is certainly something we will monitor throughout the weekend.

Well, it's finally over.

Final score: Icers 16, Bulldogs 1.

This one was over shortly after it began. It would be crazy to say the score doesn't even represent how one-sided this contest was, but that might actually be the case here. I'll post a couple postgame quotes here as they become available.

Postgame Tidbits

From interviews with FightOnState radio broadcast:

"We're not sure what it is, right now. The doctor is going to look at it back at the hotel. It doesn't look as serious as it did at first, but we're going to look at it and see what we've got." (Coach Balboni, on Cera injury)

"We have a lot of guys with us and a lot of guys chomping at the bit to get in and play. Depth is a great luxury we have this year. If Taylor can go he'll be in the lineup and if he can't we'll plug someone else in and forge ahead." (Coach Balboni, on replacing Cera, if necessary)

"I don't think I actually got it. I think Peck helped me out with it, but hopefully I'll get another one." (Brent Tranter, on first career goal that appeared to be deflected in by Peck)

Friday Night Storylines

1. Cera injury.

2. Contribution from younger players.

3. Balanced team effort.

Well, that's it for our coverage tonight. The Icers second game of the showcase will be tomorrow at about 5 p.m. against Robert Morris, and we'll do our best to get you as much coverage of that game as possible. Although, we have heard something about another Penn State team playing a big game in Madison, Wisc. this weekend?

If you're going to be tuning into that one instead, at least check back Sunday for more coverage on the last day of the showcase as the Icers take on UM-Dearborn at 11 a.m.

-Paul

I wrote a feature on Penn State goalie Teddy Hume that will run in Thursday's edition of the Daily Collegian, but I had some great quotes left over. Teddy's a very funny guy, so I figured I'd let you guys read the quotes that didn't make it into the paper. Enjoy.

Where did you play before coming to Penn State?

I went to prep school for three years at Phillips-Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H., which was certainly an interesting experience - I got to experience Texas summers and New Hampshire winters. It was a great experience, both academically, socially, athletically - it was something completely different and it really was unique.

Could you talk about last season?

Freshman year, I really wasn't sure what to expect. First of all, I was just happy to make the team - thankfully I got my stuff together to put together a pretty good tryout. For the first part of the season I sat the bench, which was fine because I was just a freshman. I remember it was Ohio weekend, and Ohio's our biggest rival, and we lost the first game on Friday in a shootout. I remember I went out to see the lineup (on Saturday) and I saw that I was starting - I felt like I had been kicked in the testicles by a mule. This wasn't my first rodeo - I'd played big games in prep school - so I just came back, got relaxed and got a shutout in my first start, which was great. I got to play a lot my freshman year, which is more than anyone could ask.

Was it your decision to lose weight?

Coach was always prodding me to do it, but it was a vanity decision. I'm trying to get into some modeling and the market for overweight models isn't too good these days. I'm just trying to be the best-looking goalie in the league. You know, the secret is portion size. I had to cut down on my portion size, that's the first secret, always eating healthy, lots of Ramen - they're very low in calories. That's pretty much the Teddy Hume Diet right there.

Were you considering any other schools?

A lot of guys from Exeter look at the small D-three schools in New England, like Colby, Bowdoin, Tufts. I remember I went on a visit to one of those schools and I just told myself 'this would be four more years of prep school, I want something different'. I remember when I came here, you come over the hill and you see campus - it was awesome. From the instant I came over the hill, I knew I wanted to come here.

Teddy and the Icers (2-0-0) will take on Adrian Friday night in the ACHA Showcase in West Chester. Check out Dean's preview in Friday's paper and, as always, we'll keep you up-to-date here on Between the Pipes.

The Icers had a successful season-opening weekend, taking both games from No. 4 Delaware (5-4 and 3-2) in shootouts.

These are just some leftover notes and tidbits from this weekend's play:

Blueline Bruises: Senior defender Scott Dakan didn't play this weekend after picking up a nagging injury in practice. Coach Balboni said it was nothing more than a blocked shot that went off Scott's foot, and that he'll be back for this weekend's ACHA Showcase.

"If it was the league playoffs, he probably could have gone," Balboni said. "But his foot was a little tender. So we told him to take the weekend off and just get ready for the showcase next weekend."

Who's in Net?: This weekend's play gave us the first glimpse into how the race for the starting goalie position is shaping up.

In Game 1 (the 5-4 victory) against Delaware, sophomore Teddy Hume got the nod and described the experience as such: "At first when Coach told me I was starting, I felt like I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off out there."

He added that it was only a matter of time until he calmed down. Interesting take on a way to say "early game jitters."

On getting the win in what was a back and forth game, Hume said, "I was happier than a hound dog that we were able to come away with the shootout in their barn."

Headless chickens. Hound dogs. How evident is it that this man is a southern gentleman? Never enough Teddy Hume quotes. Never.

As for Game 2 (the 3-2 win), senior Nick Signet was back in net and didn't allow a goal during the game-deciding shootout.

So to summarize the goalie situation: Hume played the first game, Signet played the second and after Signet turned in the better performance, we still know zilch as to who the No. 1 goaltender will be this year.

Keep an eye on...:Steve Peck. The senior forward came through big time this weekend, contributing two goals from his spot on the checking line. If the 3rd line (which this weekend was Peck, senior Brandon Rubeo and freshman Ryan Paradis) keeps scoring like this, the Icers could be better than usual - and that's saying something.

-Dean