How good is the Penn State men’s hockey team? Are they the dominant force in ACHA that swept highly ranked Central Oklahoma and put 25 goals past Towson over two games in November? Or, are the Icers a mediocre team that has sustained home losses to Liberty and Ohio, while also getting dominated by Rhode Island this season?

The Icers had a chance to make a statement against third-ranked Delaware last weekend. On Friday, they did just that by beating Delaware 4-0. Taylor Cera scored just two minutes into the game, and Penn State never looked back. Tim O’Brien got two goals separated by only eight seconds to put the game away in the first period. George Saad scored in the second period to give the Icers a 4-0 victory.

The Icers could not keep up their momentum on Saturday, falling to Delaware 7-2. Marek Polidor put Penn State up in the first period, but Delaware scored six consecutive goals to take control of the contest. Saad got a goal back in the second period, but Delaware answered back two minutes later for the 7-2 win. Both games in the series were extremely physical, with a total of 23 penalties called.

So, the questions remain unanswered for the Icers. Penn State’s 12-5 record is good, but the 3-3 record in conference play does not meet the Icers’ lofty expectations. With just a single game left in December, the doubts and concerns surrounding this team will remain until after winter break.

Upcoming schedule:

Friday: vs. Niagara, 9 p.m.