By
Chris Suffecool
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Arizona looks to tune up for National Championships
Nine days after having their 26-game unbeaten streak broken by Arizona State University, the Arizona Icecats travel to Boulder, Colo., this weekend for two games against the Colorado.
Before last Wednesday's loss to Arizona State, the Icecats had only lost one game all season, a 2-1 loss Oct. 22 to Saint Louis University.
Last week's loss to the Sun Devils was painful for Icecats players, who will have a chance to avenge the loss to ASU Feb. 23 and 24 at the Tucson Convention Center.
"It was obviously disappointing, only our second loss of the year," senior forward Paul Dorn said about the ASU loss. "We didn't play that well. The way we played, we deserved to lose the game.
"We were kind of playing from behind the whole time. We've got to get back on track this weekend with these two. Not only are we trying to get back on track with these games, but with practices too."
Arizona and Colorado met last October in Tucson for a two-game set, with the Icecats (25-2-1) easily dispatching the Buffaloes, 12-2 and 6-1.
Although Arizona won the first two matchups between the two teams, they believe these next two games could be a little bit tougher.
"It was earlier in the year when we played them ... they could be an improved team, so we're not going to take them lightly," senior forward Kyle McNeilance said. "(We would) definitely like to have a convincing win over them for our own confidence, really"
The Icecats will use these games against Colorado and their final home games against ASU as preparation for the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Championships, which begins in Tucson on March 1. Despite having their overall unbeaten streak broken, the Icecats remain undefeated at home, and hope to finish the season with no losses. Such a feat would ensure a national championship.
"We've only got four games left to tune-up for nationals" senior forward Ed Carfora said. "We've just got to take advantage of our opportunities. We've just got to do what we know we can do."
Carfora believes his team can skate with any other team in the league.
"We feel well about our chances," he said. " I didn't see all the teams, but from what I've heard, I don't think there's a team that's more talented than we are, we've just got to get the job done."
