Heading into tomorrow’s matchup with top conference rival Penn State, Temple will be looking to gain momentum tonight when it takes on Monmouth University.

The Owls are coming off of a 6-2 loss to the University of Maryland on Nov. 30.

“We made sure in practice this week that we were more aware of our play and how we’re doing instead of worrying about the opposition,” coach Jerry Roberts said.“We know we’re going to go out there and take steps towards making progress and getting to where we need to be.”

The Owls (12-8) are 5-5 in Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association play, while Monmouth (5-4) sits at 1-3 in the conference.

Heading into a tough matchup tomorrow night with the ice lions of State College, Roberts knows this one is a must-win.

“It’s not so much about the scoreboard as much as it is playing the right way and making sure we’re prepared properly tomorrow,” Roberts said.“We can win this game tonight by one goal and feel like we aren’t prepared going into tomorrow. We’re looking to do the right things tonight that’ll help tomorrow.”

Junior goalie Chris Mullen will get the nod in net for both weekend games. Senior forwards Chris Brennan and Chris Johnson are both ruled out for the rest of the semester due to injury.

Game time is set for 8:30 p.m.

-Andrew Parent