The Arizona Icecats will be in Champaign, Ill., this weekend for a two-game series against the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

The No. 6 Icecats (15-5) are looking to rebound from their first loss to Arizona State in 12 years but will be doing so without the services of defenseman Chris Noga, who continues to be sidelined with a viral infection. Forwards Sam Battaglia (dislocated shoulder) and Andy Knick will also be sidelined.

"We didn't deserve to win and they did," Icecat coach Leo Golembiewski said after the 4-1 loss in Tempe. "Now we have to concentrate on a tough weekend at Illinois. We'll be ready.

The Icecats will have to rectify their problems by creating scoring opportunities, something that hurt them against the Ice Devils.

"Our play is based on speed," Golembiewski said. "Without that and good transition play, we don't win."