The Louisville hockey club will make a trip to Danville this weekend for a two game series with Eastern.

The first game is at 10 p.m. Friday, while the second game is at 2 p.m. Saturday at the David S. Palmer Arena.

The Panthers (7-4-3) are coming off a split series against Northern Illinois, and are now playing on their home ice for the first time since September.

The Cardinals enter at 7-13, and in 20 games have just one common opponent with the Panthers.

The Cardinals and Panthers have both played Indiana, with Louisville winning both games, 4-3 and 3-2.

The Panthers also swept Indiana, winning both games, 6-2 and 7-4.

Eastern is coming off a weeklong break following its split with Northern Illinois, and junior defenseman Hank Capouch said the break was much needed.

“I think a little break is needed for any long season, for any sport really,” he said. “Even though we had the week off everyone found some time to hit the weights or even get on the ice.”

Capouch said a number of players met over break away from campus for a practice to prepare for the upcoming week.

“A number of players met in Orland Park early last week to get a good skate in,” he said. “That is important so that we don’t feel rusty when we hit the ice for practice.”

Capouch said he is confident in the team’s chances with Louisville coming in this weekend.

“We know that we can, and should get a couple of wins this weekend in our home rink,” he said.

Following this weekend’s games, the club will be back on the road next weekend, when it takes on Missouri State at Mediacom Ice Park in Springfield, Mo.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].