"Plattsburgh is the fastest team we've played this year. But, whatever happened in that first game, you can throw it out the window."

Plattsburgh State senior forward C.J. Tozzo said the loss to the Soaring Eagles helped put things in perspective.

"We were ahead, 2-1, going to the third," he said. "But, we didn't play our best game and they brought it to us. It was our first loss of the season and put the fear of losing into us."

"I'm sure Elmira has gotten better as well and maybe we were destine to meet in the Final Four," said Plattsburgh State junior defenseman Nick Rolls.

The Soaring Eagles respect the Cardinals, but come into the game with plenty of confidence of their own.

"They (Plattsburgh) have very fast forwards," said Elmira goaltender Casey Tuttle. "They move the puck well and get shots on goal."

"We're a good-skating team as well, especially on the bigger ice surface," said Soaring Eagles forward Rusty Masters.

Both Emery and Ceglarski look back to turning points during the season for their teams.

"When we won the PrimeLink Tournament, it opened some eyes," Emery said. "We have a young team, with only three seniors. But, getting that early taste of winning gave us confidence."

"All year long, we've taken one game at a time," added Rolls. "We don't put pressure on one player and we win as a team."

Ceglarski said an early road trip make him believe something good was happening.

"We went on a weekend road trip to Utica and Manhattanville and won both games (5-2 and 4-3)," he said. "That's when I felt we had something special going.

"We're excited to be here and represent the ECAC West. We've played a difficult non-league schedule and have some good rivalries in our conference, as good as anyone."

There's only going to be one happy team following the weekend.

"There's only one winner at the end," Emery said. "We can't be happy just to be here. We have to make the necessary sacrifices and leave it all on the table. We've found a way to win this year and made the big play during a particular time in a game.