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.
Sports
Unbeaten Cards in Saratoga tonight
- Local Sports
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Peru wrestlers defend Section VII title
Indians grab eight champions; Saranac, NAC crown three each in the Section VII wrestling championships.
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Eagles fall in hockey title game
Potsdam's third period goal defeats Beekmantown in the Upstate Girl's Hockey League championship.
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Cardinals bounce back against Knights
Plattsburgh State knocks off Geneseo in SUNY Athletic Conference men's hockey.
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PSU women win but don't get standings help
The Plattsburgh State women's hockey team beat Utica, but its chances of finishing first diminished because RIT also won.
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Plattsburgh boys repeat in swimming
Hornets take Section VII/X swimming title, break sectional record.
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Chiefs victorious in sectional track
Saranac captured both boys and girls Section VII track & field titles
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Clinton weathers Mohawk's hot shooting
Cougars outduel Hawks in women's basketball; North Country rolls in second half in men's basketball.
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Tolosky nets two, including game-winner, for Hornets
Plattsburgh falls behind Tupper Lake, but scores two in third for a boys' hockey victory; Saranac falls to Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa.
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Marlow leads Huskies in NAC track
Franklin Academy took first in Northern Athletic Conference boys' track and field, and the girls finished second.
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Sports Shorts: February 12, 2012
ADK chapter to hold events; Missing Children's tourney has openings; Youth Bureau to host winter program
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Area Sports: February 12, 2012
A schedule of sports events today involving area teams and venues.
- February 11, 2012
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Votraw's three gives Plattsburgh Div. I title
Patriots give Douglass 100th win; Peru, Ticonderoga grab wins in CVAC boys' basketball.
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Schroon Lake takes control of MVAC's North Division
Warriors, Indians, Orange, Blue Bombers capture victories in MVAC boys' basketball
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Beekmantown back in hockey finals
Eagles defeat Alexandria Bay in the Upstate Girls' Hockey League semifinals, will play Potsdam today for the title.
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Brockport stuns Plattsburgh State
Cardinals give up two goals in third period to fall to Golden Eagles in men's college hockey.
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Plattsburgh State clinches playoff berth
Cardinals defeat Potsdam for first road conference win of the season in women's college basketball.
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Cold shooting second half dooms Cardinals
Plattsburgh State falls to Potsdam with opportunity to seal playoff berth in men's college basketball.
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Plattsburgh State travels to Utica
Cardinals wrap up regular season schedule against Pioneers in women's college hockey.
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Peru looks to defend Section VII title
Indians hold nine top seeds out of 15 weight classes in Section VII wrestling championships.
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Frechette, Bradish combine for five goals in Eagles' win
Beekmantown defeats Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa in boy's hockey.
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Yellowjackets ruin Bulldogs' perfect season
Madrid-Waddington, Chateaugay finish tied for NAC boys' basketball lead.
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Area sports: February 11, 2012
A schedule of sports events this weekend involving area teams and venues.
- February 10, 2012
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Cadieux earning time in net
The sophomore newcomer has been Plattsburgh State's main goalie in the second half of the season.
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Cards can clinch playoff spot tonight
The Plattsburgh State men's basketball team visits Potsdam.
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Peru wrestlers defend Section VII title






