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A new year, a new day, a new building; same opponent. Déjà vu.

After facing one another less than a week ago, ninth-ranked UMass Lowell, 13-5-0 overall / 4-2-0 in Hockey East, hosts number 11 Clarkson University, 12-5-1 / 6-2-0 in the ECAC, twice this weekend at the Tsongas Center, in Lowell. The puck drops at 7:15pm Friday and at 4:00pm on Saturday.

The games will be broadcast on the ESPN River Hawk Radio Network; ESPN 900 AM (www.espnnh.com), ESPN 1250 AM, WSMN 1590 AM and WCAP 980 AM (www.980wcap.com).

"It's very much like a playoff series," said UMass Lowell Head Coach Norm Bazin. "Getting to know your opponents is very important if we are going to have success."

The River Hawks won the first meeting, 3-1, between the two teams, last Sunday, at the Catamount Cup in Burlington, Vt. UMass Lowell won both of its tournament games, besting Canisius in the opener, before topping the Golden Knights in the finale. Clarkson lost to the host team, Vermont, before facing UMass Lowell. It was the first time this season that Clarkson had lost two in a row.

"We're going to have to match their urgency," said Bazin. "(After dropping two games) they are going to be coming in here with a whole lot of fire; we have to make sure we respond."

The coach also speaks about Golden Knights team with a great deal of respect. "They have 12 wins for a reason," said Bazin. "They are a very strong opponent, they're deep throughout the lineup, they've got good goaltending and they present a enormous challenge four our team."

The schedule also provided both teams with the opportunity to learn from the first meeting and then take several days to prepare for the weekend series. And that means it becomes a bit of a chess match.

"Having a week to practice allows you a little more time to adjust," said Bazin. "I'm sure they will have made some adjustments and you have to adjust to those; it's a constant battle."

After a three week layoff, UMass Lowell started the second half of the season with two solid wins shaped by the ingredients that have been a key to success throughout much of the season. Terrific defense and a potent power play.

The River Hawks allowed just three goals during the two games at the Catamount Cup and went three-for-eight with the man advantage.

The power play is the most successful in Hockey East clicking at a 24.7% clip.

The defense is not just tops in Hockey East, it has the best numbers in the country. The 1.83 Goals Against Average leads the nation and makes UMass Lowell one of three teams giving up less than two goals a game.

History suggests the weekend should be an interesting one. The two teams have split the previous 22 meetings, but the River Hawks have won the last seven meeting.

The Friday night match up also features the 2014 edition of what has been a popular UMass Lowell/Tsongas Center event. The third annual Pucks and Paws Night.

The event is the result of the teaming of UMass Lowell and the Lowell Humane Society. Fans are encouraged to bring their own dogs to enjoy the game with them, and the Lowell Humane Society will have adoptable pets on site.

"We've been looking forward to this event after last year's success," said Scott Donnelly, Athletic Marketing Coordinator. "Based on fan feedback, we're not the only ones excited about it."

There will be a designated section for fans that bring their non-aggressive dogs as well as a special "Doggie Door" entrance via the West Box Office. Fans can purchase seats in Section 110 for $15, and tickets for their dogs are just $5. All of the proceeds from "dog ticket" sales will be donated to the Lowell Humane Society. Fans are required to purchase their "dog tickets" in advance of the game by calling 978-934-5751.

UMass Lowell asks that all fans have current tags and vaccinations for all dogs entering the building and all dogs must be on a non-retractable leash. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations must be provided upon purchase.

Tickets for all River Hawks home hockey games are on sale now. Game tickets are $18 ($19 day of game) for adults and $12 ($13 day of game) for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). UMass Lowell students receive free admission by scanning their ID as part of the Mission: All In campaign.

Tickets can be purchased at the Tsongas Center Box Office, which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the week. Fans can also purchase tickets online at TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780.

The UMass Lowell Athletic Department is also selling season, mini-pack and group tickets at this time. Packages can be purchased online at TsongasCenter.com or by contacting Andrew Ralph (andrew_ralph@uml.edu; 978-934-2181) or Joe Fellini (joseph_fellini@uml.edu; 978-934-5751).