After an overtime thriller victory against Montclair State University Saturday, Temple ice hockey will look to use any remaining momentum today against an ACHA Division II powerhouse in Penn State University.

PSU is coming off a 12-1 drubbing of Rider University last night in their Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association opener, and is widely thought of as the top team in Division II by many, including Temple coach Jerry Roberts.

“We are confident that we are prepared as much as we possibly can be going into a game like this,” Roberts said.“This game’s going to be a huge challenge. They’re one of the best teams in the country, but if there was a team that could knock them on their feet, it’s us.”

The Owls (4-0) will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive with a win against a Penn State team that had Temple’s number a year ago with two defeats, the latter coming in the postseason.

“The guys absolutely feel like they have something to prove against [PSU]. There’s a sense of excitement about it and the guys are looking forward to it. We want to prove last year was a fluke for us.”

Junior Chris Mullen will again get the start in net after racking up 39 saves against Montclair.

Solid goaltending along with tight defense will be a must against the Ice Lions, a team that boasts a star-studded offense from top to bottom.

“We need to keep their offense at bay,” Roberts said. “They are an aggressive offensive-minded team. They have no problems getting into shootouts and we need to play tight defensively. If we do that we’ll be just fine.”

Game time is set for 2 p.m. today at Northeast Skatezone.

-Andrew Parent