The Pitt-Johnstown Icecats are defeating big teams to enhance their five-game winning streak.

After a rough start on their first away trip to Connecticut, the Icecats have pulled together to knock off unbeaten teams like Fredonia State University, beating them 6-5.

With big wins over California (Pa.) University 5-4 Oct. 29 and Robert Morris University 5-3 Oct. 31 the team plans to make it to a national tournament held in March for the third consecutive year.

“Our winning streak has been great motivation with some big wins against some good team it will carry over into this weekend because we face California again this Saturday,” said junior forward Marc Swankler.

“Wins against big teams like California have a great effect on our ranking.”

Newcomers this year like freshmen Josh Oliver and goalie James Borriello have made immediate impacts on the ice, even though it is early in the season, according to junior defensive player Dan Yost.

“Oliver has great vision on the ice and makes smart plays; then Borriello has really stepped up coming into the program and is strong between the pipes for us,” said Yost.

The captain of the Icecats is senior Byran Albright. Alternate captains are junior Cody Austad and sophomore Tyler Shima.