By Char Grimm | @KernelGrimm

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UK hockey will play the Alabama Crimson Tide Friday at home before heading to Dayton Saturday to take on the Flyers.

The Cats are coming off of a two week break after Tennessee cancelled last weekend’s games due to a scheduling conflict.

“We’re good and rested now,” senior forward Brandon Tigrett said.

Even with the time off, the team is ready to get back on the ice at home.

“We’re excited to get back in front of our home fans,” sophomore forward Jacob Cohen said.

This is the first time Alabama and UK have faced off on the ice. Alabama comes into the game with a record of 2-0-0, following a strong 21-13-0 season last year.

“We can’t take them lightly,” Tigrett said, acknowledging that Alabama will be a tough team.

However, the team is confident they can put forth a good game against the Tide.

“We have to play UK hockey the way we know we can,” junior goaltender Aaron Tenfelde said.

Saturday the team will travel to Dayton for a 5 p.m. start against the Flyers.

Dayton comes into the game with a 3-0-1 record on the season. The Flyers have already posted wins against Cats’ opponents Akron and Ohio. Last year the Cats faced the Flyers twice, splitting the contests, including a loss on the Cats’ senior night.

“We always take it to them at their arena,” Tigrett said, remembering their win at Dayton last year where the Cats shut out the Flyers.

“We’re over the loss, but we’re going to come out with a vengeance,” Tenfelde said, noting that if they win Saturday, they will need to be ready to play Dayton again when the Flyers come to Lexington Nov. 17.

“We have to take care of business against Alabama and then we can focus on Dayton,” said junior forward Jake Boss.