PLATTSBURGH -- The Plattsburgh State men's hockey team has a difficult act to follow during the second half of the 2008-09 season.

The Cardinals return to the ice after dodging some anxious moments on their way to an unbeaten first half.

Top-ranked Plattsburgh State hosts the Annual Cardinal Classic today and Saturday at the Stafford Ice Arena. Today's opening-round schedule has Castleton State against Williams College at 4 p.m., followed by Wesleyan University versus Plattsburgh State at 7 p.m.

Saturday, the third-place game is set for 4 p.m. and the title contest at 7 p.m.

"We're always looking to play teams in the tournament that we wouldn't normally see during the regular season," said Plattsburgh State head coach Bob Emery. "We have a good field of teams this year."

The Cardinals, who went 7-0-1 during the first half of the State University of New York Athletic Conference regular season, bring a 9-0-2 overall mark into the weekend. They have outscored their foes by a 54-26 margin.

Plattsburgh State's last game prior to this weekend was a 5-3 home victory over Cortland on Dec. 6. The night before, the Cardinals were 4-3 overtime winners over rival Oswego.

Wesleyan, which competes in the NESCAC, is 1-5 overall and 1-3 in its conference. The Cardinals last played on Dec. 6 when they dropped a 5-2 decision at Babson. Wesleyan has scored 10 goals and allowed 19 in six games.

"Their coach (Chris Potter) has been there for a few years now, and they're getting better," Emery said. "They don't shy away from anybody.

"They were in our tournament a couple of years ago, but we didn't get a chance to play them."

Williams College, which is 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the NESCAC, isn't a stranger to Plattsburgh State. The Ephs, who own a 3-2 win over Potsdam State this season, have been idle since a 5-4 overtime victory at Salem State on Dec. 6. Williams has been outscored by its oppnents, 21-19.

"We play Williams all the time, and they have had success in Plattsburgh in the past," Emery said.

Bill Kangas, in his 21st season as head coach at Williams, has compiled a 259-197-37 career mark.

Castleton State, meanwhile, competes in the ECAC East and currently sports a 4-4 overall mark and 1-3 conference record. The Spartans have outscored their opponents, 29-21, and last played on Dec. 13 with an 8-0 win at Plymouth State.

Castleton has already beaten two SUNYAC teams this season with a 6-2 win over Potsdam and a 4-1 victory over Brockport.