"Castleton's coach (Alex Todd) is working hard, and they are getting stronger all the time," Emery said. "They beat Norwich last year."

The Spartans, in their first year of Division III hockey, went 0-19 in 2003-04. But in 2006-07, they compiled a 17-6-4 mark in Todd's second year as head coach. Castleton State finished with a 13-11-2 mark a season ago.

Plattsburgh State will likely be without the services of standout defenseman Nick Rolls, who is still nursing an injury.

"Nick has been skating, but we don't want him to re-injure himself," Emery said. "That's why we're taking time with him to make sure he's ready to play.

"Everyone is back and they're anxious to play."

Last year, the Cardinals recorded a 3-2 win over St. Scholastica in the championship game following a 9-2 victory over Tufts in the opening round.

There are still tickets available to be purchased at the door.