Coach John Desko can say that his players arent using last years 9-8 double overtime loss to the Army Black Knights as motivation, but there is no doubt these players want some revenge.
Its not all the time that a team comes into the Dome in front of 5,000+ people and beat the Orange in the first round of the playoffs. But the Black Knights managed to do just that last year and always come into the dome with no fear and play the Orange tough. Many of the Black Knights are from the Central New York area, some were born and raised only a few miles from the Dome.
But this is 2011, a new year. Last year is in the past and when it comes down to it, means nothing. The Orange cant let their emotions get to them and cant afford to take stupid penalties to get a little "revenge."
The players know what they need to do and Coach Desko will have his team ready for the Black Knights (1-1) who are led by senior Jeremy Boltus (4 goals, 5 assists). Goalie Tom Palesky is stopping 62 percent of the shots he see's and has 24 saves in just two games. He is the backbone of the defense and will need to play big in order to keep the high powered offense of the Orange in check.
We will try another live in game thread today for the 4pm game which can be seen on Time Warner Cable Sports and SNY.