There's no doubt that the Icers are in the stretch run to the National Tournament, and it's important that they maintain the momentum developed during last weekend's sweep of the Robert Morris Colonials.
As has been mentioned before, the Icers are in the unfamiliar spot of being on the bubble - currently ranked 10th with Oakland while awaiting the new rankings that will be released on Friday.
It's going to be a tough battle to the wire, with the Icers facing all ESCHL opponents until the final ranking is released.
It starts with a home and home series with West Chester this weekend, followed by a road trip to the Rust Arena at the University of Delaware (site of the 2011 National Tournament) and then back home for alumni weekend against Rhode Island.
It starts with a home and home series with West Chester this weekend, followed by a road trip to the Rust Arena at the University of Delaware (site of the 2011 National Tournament) and then back home for alumni weekend against Rhode Island.
So - in a nutshell - it's two games against a Golden Rams team (with 9 new players) that has in the past given the Icers fits, and four games against two of the top teams in the ACHA.
To make the stretch drive even tougher, those next six games will take place without the Icers' leading scorer (Tim O'Brien), one of the leading sandpaper guys (Eric Steinour) and the head coach (Scott Balboni).
As we all know, they're all heading to Chicago this weekend before jetting to Turkey for the World University Games.
As Chris Cerutti told me, there are guys that will be able to step up in the absence of Tim and Eric, as well as Taylor Cera (out with a separated shoulder).
As for the coach, assistant coach Josh Hand will take over behind the bench. The first-year assistant says he's ready for the challenge.
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