The Cougar hockey team will face off against Utah State University tonight at 8:30 p.m. and then against Weber State on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Seven Peaks Ice Arena.

To prepare for the first game after the Christmas break, the Cougars have worked hard to get their offensive and defensive strategies ready to face the Aggies in the classic rivalry game of the season. They even included an extra practice on the ice early Tuesday morning assistant coach Don Homan said.

"The two teams know each other really well," head coach Ed Gantt said. "We're going to have to play our A game and, if we do that, I am confident that we can win."

Each hockey team is different and, as in football or basketball, a team must prepare itself to counter the opposition's plays. The Cougars, ranked seventh in the western region, have been practicing since before Winter Semester started strengthening and limbering up for this weekend's upcoming games.

The lack of special rituals the week of a rivalry game doesn't mean this week was just like any other week of practices for the Cougars.

"As a team, the intensity of our practices and workouts has been higher," Gantt said. "We know how important this weekend is and who we will be playing."

The game on Saturday against Division I Weber State is vital for the Cougars and they have been working to be prepared to face the skilled team with the same intensity they have for the rival game tonight, Gantt said.

"Weber State is an excellent team that plays a division above us with a lot of skilled players," Gantt said.

Saturday's game is important to the Cougars because when a team plays well against a team in a higher division it can play a big factor in the decisions of the rankings committee.

Gantt said the Cougars have two more ranking periods until the end of their season and hope to move up.

Copyright Brigham Young University 11 Jan 2008