Bitter rivals will face off Friday and Saturday when Sacramento State men’s hockey team hosts the UC Davis Aggies at the Skate Town Ice Arena in Roseville.

“We know who is coming to town and we want them to know that they don’t belong,” said Hornets’ junior forward Chase Turner.

The Aggies are sitting atop the standings in the Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association North Division with a 5-3 record while the Hornets reside one spot below them in second place with a record of 4-4.

The games this weekend will play an important role in deciding the winner of the PCHA North Division.

“I think if either team is able to win both games, it is likely they will win the division and go into playoffs as the top seed,” said Cory Schiestel, former Hornet player and current team manager.

“If we split, we still have one game remaining at their home ice in Vacaville. Obviously, that game would be huge if it came down to that,” he said.

Last season, the teams played two games against each other and both times, the home team won the game.

Hornets sophomore forward Justin Ellison said the two games against the Aggies were completely different from one another.

“The first game against Davis was our first home game of the season and everyone was pumped. We came out flying and had a 6-0 lead before the end of the second period,” Ellison said. “There was lots of trash talking and some small ‘scrums’ or fights. The game was full of penalties and the Davis team got really chippy at the end of the game.”

The Hornets went on to win the first game, 7-1. This year’s captain, junior forward Jamison Meikle, scored three goals that game for the ‘hat-trick.’

Ellison said the Hornets under-estimated the Aggies going into the second game and were beaten by a score of 9-3.

“It was the last game of the season and every single guy on the team came into the game thinking that we were going to just run up the score on them again,” Ellison said.

It was discovered later that the Aggies used ineligible players in the second game against the Hornets and it was changed to a forfeit.

“That didn’t change the way the game went, they still out hustled, out-hit and out-played us. That sour taste is still in the mouths of every guy who played on the team last year and we are out to avenge that loss,” Ellison said.

“I didn’t play in the first (game), but the last game of the season still sits bitter with me. (I had) instant hatred for Davis. The way it turned out was brutal. Nothing went our way and they were a bad team. Point blank, we should have played better,” Turner said.

Shiestel said the Hornets have been working hard preparing for the upcoming games and are eager to hit the ice. “I imagine the guys at (Davis) feel the same way, so these games are going to be extremely competitive, physical and exciting for the fans.”

“We haven’t seen this year’s (Davis) squad yet, so I can’t say how we’ll match up,” he said.

The Hornets will practice more than usual during this week in preparation for the upcoming games.

“This team has already become so familiar with one another. Every practice, we are clicking and guys are getting along very well,” Ellison said.

Shiestel said that players need to play disciplined and stay out of the penalty box to be successful.

“There is going to be a lot of nerves and a lot of energy in the building. The players and coaches both need to block it out, stick to the plan, and avoid getting caught up with the fans emotions,” he said.

“It’s up to the players to prepare between the ears. If they arrive with the appropriate mindset, I like our chances,” Shiestel said.

Both Ellison and Turner said that the Hornets need to capitalize on scoring opportunities more often to win against the Aggies.

“Too many times this season we have let teams hang around instead of putting them away like we should have,” Ellison said.

“We haven’t put enough pucks in the net in any game. The power play is coming around but is nothing to write home about,” Turner said.

Turner said that he looks forward to ‘putting on a show’ for the Hornet faithful who make the trip to Roseville to watch the games this weekend.

“They hate Davis as much as we do, and I will personally give them something to cheer about, I guarantee that,” Turner said.

Ellison said the Hornets have improved since last season and he is confident that the team will play well this weekend.

“This year’s team is so much more talented and physical. I believe we are going to come out flying against them both nights. I just don’t think they will be able to keep up with us,” Ellison said.

“So far this season, all we have done is gotten better with each game,” Ellison said. “Everyone on the team has tons of confidence coming into this weekend. Our chemistry is probably at its strongest point, on and off the ice.”

The cost of admission is $3 with a student identification card, $5 without.

The teams will meet up one more time after the games this weekend when the Aggies host the Hornets on Feb. 1.

Andrew Eggers can be reached at [email protected]