IU-Purdue rivalry takes to the ice

Superficially, there isn't much significance behind the IU-Purdue hockey matchup this weekend. Since the Hoosiers (10-3-1, 2-1-1 Great Midwest Hockey League) moved from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey League to the more competitive GMHL, the two aren't even in the same league anymore, making the results of this weekend's home game without much consequence in terms of postseason positioning. \nBut this is no ordinary non-conference match-up, and this is no ordinary rivalry. \n"I don't care if you're playing ice hockey or football or checkers, IU-Purdue is a big deal," coach Rich Holdeman said. "They'll play their best game no matter what."\nHoldeman and his troops will play their first competitive game since Dec. 1 when they travel to Fishers, Ind., for the first game of the two-game series. The second game will be in Bloomington at the Franklin Southern Ice Center on South Henderson in front of what expects to be the biggest home crowd of the season.\n"It's a huge rivalry," Hoosiers' general manager Alex Kyrias said. "The fans come out in droves, whether it's here or Indianapolis."\nThe Boilermakers will match the Hoosiers in toughness and intensity, if not talent. Despite IU's thorough domination of scoring (outscored Purdue 24-2 total), last season's series climaxed with a Saturday night brawl that resulted in the ejection and suspension of four players.\n"There's sure to be some kind of tussle and a lot of roughhousing," Kyrias said.\nHoldeman echoed that thought. \n"We know it's going to be a tough challenge," he said. "Usually, the game is pretty scrappy and pretty physical. If we get drawn into a lot of scrappiness, it could get real ugly out there."\nAfter winning their first six games this year, the Boilermakers find themselves on a six-game losing streak, having been pummeled by both Butler and Ohio State in early December. \nFor the Hoosiers, tonight will be their first game this season without the services of defenseman Andy Bauermeister and winger Trent Washburn, who both left the team over the break for personal reasons. The two combined to play nine games this season. \nIn Washburn's place, the Hoosiers have added center Tom Orr, a graduate student formerly of the University of North Dakota. A veteran of the United States Hockey League, the 5-foot-11, 205-lb center could add an element of size and toughness to a finesse-laden Hoosier lineup. \nBut getting back into game shape is critical for Orr, who hasn't played competitive hockey in three years.\n"I think he's got some real potential," Holdeman said. "He's a very tough player; he's played at a very high level. He seems to be good at getting a shot off in traffic. He's very physically strong.\n"We'll give him some time to get his legs back, and I think he can contribute this season. We need a bigger physical presence, and he might be able to help us out in that regard."\nAfter a rigorous first week of practice, Orr estimated that it should take two to three weeks before he's back in game shape. Having skated with the UND hockey squad briefly during the 1997 season, Orr knows a thing or two about elite-level hockey and is impressed with what he's seen of his teammates.\n"I was surprised by the level of play," he said. "You don't hear much about Indiana hockey out in Minnesota or in Canada, but I was really impressed with the guys. There's a lot of talent on this team"