Two weeks off was exactly the break the Icecats needed to rehab some injuries and prepare for tonight's contest against Weber State and Saturday's match-up with Utah.

At least that's what they thought.

Last week's practice proved costly for the Icecats, as freshman left wing Shawn Brooks suffered a dislocated shoulder during an inter-squad scrimmage.

The team's fourth-leading scorer and leader of its young second line is likely out for six to eight weeks.

"It's hard to lose a player of that quality and not feel the consequences," said UA head coach Leo Golembiewski. "The games this weekend won't be pushovers. We're expecting two very good games."

Coming off consecutive victories against Colorado, the Icecats (5-1) are looking to build on their early-season momentum and prove they can play with any American Collegiate Hockey Association team in the nation.

While UA's first line, seniors Kevin Meehan and Kyle Neary and junior Dave Loftus, carried the team offensively early this season, leadership of the Icecats' three defensive pairs also impressed Golembiewski.

This weekend, junior Matt Naylor and sophomore Braden Koprivica will join freshman Mickey Meehan to form the second offensive line for the Icecats.

So far, Golembiewski likes what he has seen.

"The (second line) has looked really good so far. They've really stepped it up in practice," Golembiewski said. "Kevin and Kyle and the other co-captains have done a tremendous job - they really have a great mindset. They want to prove that this team can play at any level."

With several games against ranked opponents looming on the horizon, Golembiewski said he does not expect his team to lose any of their focus this weekend.

"We've got to play hard shift to shift this year because of our inexperience," Golembiewski said. "I don't think that this team is in a position to look past anyone."

Both games this weekend will be held at the Tucson Convention Center at 7:30 p.m.