No. 3 Icers to drop puck for 70th season

The 70th season of Penn State hockey begins this weekend as the Icers look to continue a winning tradition, starting against the Towson Tigers.

This season, the ACHA Division 1 Icers enter the season ranked No. 3. Under head coach Scott Balboni, the Icers finished last season with a 32-8-1 record and reached the ACHA National Final Four.

The Icers begin the season Friday in a home opener against the Towson Tigers. Previously, the Tigers have mustered little luck against the Icers.

Through the teams’ meetings against each other, the Icers hold a 12-0-1 advantage, outscoring the Tigers 106-28.

Seniors John Conte, Matt Kirstein, and Steve Thurston look to continue that advantage under their leadership as captains this year.

Last season all three players combined for a total of 66 goals and more than 120 games played.

But experience is one quality with which the Icers may have trouble. After losing 12 players over the offseason, the team is looking toward 13 new youngsters to fill the voids.

To make matters worse, junior defensemen, Carey Bell may be inactive for this weekend’s games.

Bell, who is one of five returning defensive players from last season, was injured in the blue and white scrimmage last Friday evening. Bell sustained a deep cut to his lower chin, which required stitches, after a hit by fellow teammate Marek Polider.

Along with the Icers’ defensive worries, the team will also be keeping an eye on the net.

With only two returning goaltenders, Coach Balboni will presumably entertain optioning the goalie with the most success in the first few games. Junior goalie Teddy Hume, who played 19 games last season, leads fellow junior John Jay, who only played in 3 games last season.

The Icers begin the season Friday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Penn State Ice Pavilion. Tickets can be purchased at the Penn State Ice Pavilion before the game or by phone at (814) 863-2037.