IU looks to rebound in final home game

Fresh off a heartbreaking loss to Miami (Ohio) for the Midwest Collegiate Hockey League conference championship, the hockey team plays host to its final home series of the season against Chicago's Robert Morris College at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at the Frank Southern Center. Saturday's game will also be a chance to honor the Hoosiers' two graduating seniors.\nThe Hoosiers (18-10-2, 11-1-2 MCHL) expect they shouldn't have much difficulty dealing with Robert Morris (19-14-1).\n"It looks to me like they should be pretty competitive, although really not the strongest team we've played," coach Rich Holdeman said. "We want to just keep guys sharp this weekend, play well and win the games."\nIn its premier season as an American Collegiate Hockey League team, Robert Morris has established itself in the college hockey world as a strong program with a promising future.\n"A good collaboration of guys from the state of Illinois," said assistant coach and general manager Alex Kyrias, describing the Eagles. "I'm expecting a pretty competitive weekend -- a good tune-up for us, hopefully."\nKyrias said the Hoosiers, who have been consistently banged up since Decmeber, are finally recovered. After sitting out the conference championship weekend, junior defenseman Tim McMahon, - the final injured Hoosier to return to the lineup -- participated in a full-contact practice Thursday night. The team said it is confident heading toward the Wednesday commencement of the national tournament in Fishers, Ind., despite its double-overtime loss in the conference tournament finals Feb. 17.\n "We hope to keep active this weekend so we don't take a weekend off before nationals," junior forward and assistant captain Bryan Grant said. "I really think there's nothing else to focus on (except the national tournament). It's the end of the year, and that's what we're gunning for."\n Saturday's game will also be a chance to honor the Hoosiers' graduating seniors. Although five Hoosiers are listed as seniors on the roster, goalie Justin Wojtowicz and forward Darrell Huotari will be the sole honorees Saturday.\n"Both guys have been with the program for several years, and I think it's always a good thing to recognize them," Holdeman said. "I'm always sad to see guys move on, but I guess it's part of the progress."\nKyrias said sophomore Charlie Pulley will start in goal Friday, while Wojtowicz will man the net for the final home game of his Hoosier career.