1:29

The numbers say it all.  One twenty-nine. 

The time left in the third period of last spring's national tournament quarter-final game against the Central Oklahoma Bronchos.  The time left separating the Icers from a berth in the semi-final.  The time of the game-tying goal on a shot from the blue line that led to overtime and a Bronchos goal just 1:42 into the extra frame.

The upstart Bronchos, in just their fifth year of existence, staged one of the biggest upsets in ACHA national tournament history just one night after upsetting in-state rival Oklahoma 5-4 in double overtime.

Needless to say, the players have had this weekend circled in red on their calendars since the announcement that Central Oklahoma will make its first trip to Hockey Valley.

The Icers are off to a good start, with a 3-0 record after last Friday's 11-0 shellacking of Drexel in the home opener.  

The Bronchos stumbled out of the gate, being swept by the Sooners, Iowa State and reigning D-1 champs Lindenwood.  UCO got off the schneid at last weekend's ACHA Showcase in Boardman, Ohio with wins over Slippery Rock (3-2), Buffalo (5-1) and Mercyhurst (7-2).

This is a different Bronchos team, with 17 freshmen on the roster.  However, head coach Craig McAlister - the man who built the UCO program from scratch - will have his team primed and ready to take on the Icers.

Scott Balboni and Josh Hand will have to make sure their troops are fired up, but will have to ensure that the guys play within themselves and look at this weekend as just another series and not a chance for revenge.

CORRECTION: I have been reporting that Ted Hume is tied with Scott Graham (99-03) for 3rd all-time in wins by Penn State goalies with 54 wins.  In fact, Scott has 56, nine fewer than career co-leaders John Gray (89-93) and John Sixt (95-99).