Unbeaten Cards in Saratoga tonight

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January 12, 2009

By JOHN CORYER The Press Republican Tue Jan 13, 2009, 04:31 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH -- On paper, Plattsburgh State is favored to win at Skidmore College tonight.

And, that worries Cardinals' hockey coach Bob Emery.

"It's an easier thing to look back and see we beat them pretty easily when we played them in the past," he said. "But, their schedule this season has been pretty tough and they have won some big games.

"Castleton gave us a tough game in our rink and Skidmore won a 3-2 game at Castleton. I've been hearing that they might be the most improved team in their league. It's a real dangerous game for us and our players need to have the fear of losing and come with the ultimate work ethic."

The top-ranked Cardinals (12-0-2) and Thoroughbreds (6-5-0) tangle in a non-conference game at 7 p.m.

"Most upsets happen because of the better team taking an opponent too lightly," Emery said. "All you have to do is look at what last weekend (with Middlebury losing 2-1 to Castleton and Norwich 2-1 to Tufts).

"It's not like it was 10 years ago. Any team can now beat you if you don't come physically and mentally ready to play."

The Thoroughbreds have wins to their credit over Suffolk (2-1), Williams (5-1), Colby (2-1), Bowdoin (6-4), Babson (5-2) and Castleton (3-2). They have been beaten by St. Anselm (6-4), New England College (2-0), Oswego (8-3), Williams (4-0) and Middlebury (4-1).

The losses to Williams and Middlebury came on the road this past weekend.

Freshmen Colin Bessey (2-3-0, 3.15 gaa) and Andrew Ross (4-2-0, 3.17 gaa) have shared time in net for Skidmore. Sophomore forward Brett Bandazian (4-8-12) leads the team in scoring.

The Cardinals last played a week ago with a 3-1 non-conference home win over Norwich at the Stafford Ice Arena.

"We came out of that game healthy, but we have the flu bug going around," said Emery. "But, everyone should be ready to go. Nick Rolls is still not 100 percent, but he will get his strength back as he continues to play.

"We're hoping that a lot of our fans make the trip down the turnpike and give us more fans than they will have."

After tonight's game, the Cardinals are off until returning to State University of New York Athletic Conference play on Jan. 23 and 24 at Fredonia and Buffalo State.