According to head coach Jim Underwood, the Kent State Hockey Club used its week off to give the players some time to rest and work on their personal game.

“We took an opportunity for (the) guys to rest any bruises or any kind of sore muscles,” Underwood said. “When we were on the ice we worked on a lot of individual skill such as quick shot releases and puck control.”

The Flashes also grabbed the No. 14 spot in the national ranking with a starting record of 3-0-1. “It’s a great spot for the team to be in,” said Underwood.  

Duquesne University’s hockey team brings a new opponent to the rink for the Flashes. Expectations are up in the air for the team, according to Underwood. 

“We’ll do a little research to see who they’ve played already this season,” Underwood said. “I think the important thing for our team is to focus on what we can control. If we do that, we are positive we should have some good results this weekend.”

Junior defenseman Alex Compean believes the key to being successful against Duquesne is all about special teams and puck work.  

“I think power play will be key,” Compean said. “We have to just keep working the puck down low and keep them guessing at what we are going to do.”

The No. 14 Flashes take on Duquesne at 7:30 p.m. Friday night at the Kent State Ice Arena.  

Chris Yamnitsky is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].