The UNM Ice Wolves are on the road this weekend, traveling to Boulder, Colo., to face the University of Colorado Buffaloes.
It should prove to be a difficult undertaking. After dropping the first game to CU in a home series in their first meeting, the Lobos came back the next night to tie 3-3 in a battle that was one of UNM's strongest showings of the year.
The Buffaloes (12-3-1) have been gaining momentum since they played the Lobos last and will be a challenge for UNM. Much like in their first meeting, the crucial factor in this game will be goaltending, and which team can establish the tone of the game.
CU goaltender Schulyer Hoversten has not demonstrated a marked improvement from his 4.39 goals against average. In fact, the average has not increased or decreased since the two clubs met 17 days ago. Another important change since the two clubs' last confrontation is the Buffaloes introduction of another goaltender onto the roster.
Since amassing over half the saves in under half the time, new goalie Greg Lindquist is rapidly becoming CU's answer to the struggling Hoversten.
UNM, on the other hand, will opt to put Tom Medcof between the pipes. Medcof has started the majority of games in goal for the Wolves and although his 6.32 goals against average is higher than Hoversten's, Medcof's .857 save percentage is better. In fact, UNM's goaltender has a .018 advantage in save percentage.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Once the puck is dropped, each team will look to establish the tone. For the Buffaloes, a fast-paced offensive attack best describes the tempo they would like to establish. For the Wolves, a tough, physical brand of hockey is the type of game they hope to force upon CU.
It was hard-nosed hockey that earned the Ice Wolves an impressive tie against the Buffaloes earlier in the year. If CU is forced into UNM's brand of hard-checking hockey, it could be a longer weekend than the Buffaloes expect. Ice Wolves defenseman Ben Njus agreed.
"Our best quality of hockey is physical," he said. "When we get physical, the energy level increases and that is usually when we score our goals."
For many teams, playing on the road presents a wealth of distractions. For the Wolves, road games represent just the opposite.
"Road games make us more determined," Njus said. "We are more focused and we are better prepared mentally. I just think the team bonds better on the road. We are taking a really quality roster up there with us and I think we have a really good chance to beat them."
Games are scheduled for Friday night and Saturday afternoon. No times have been posted as of yet.
