Penn State welcomed Stonehill to Pegula Ice Arena for the first meeting between the two programs and the first of a two-game series before the Nittany Lions plunge into conference play next weekend at Ohio State.
Penn State emerged victorious thanks to some late game heroics, winning 3-2 and advancing to 6-1-0 on the year before Saturday’s rematch at 6 p.m.
“Don’t love the game tonight, very much love the fact they came back for the win … we’re trying to find our identity still,” head coach Guy Gadowsky said after the game.
How it happened
It was a sluggish start, with just three combined shots through the opening seven minutes of the contest.
“I don’t think we’re playing hard enough … it just feels slower to me.”
A power play gave the Nittany Lions several opportunities to apply pressure, and while they didn’t score on the man advantage, they struck first seconds after on left wing Matt DiMarsico’s seventh goal of the season, assisted by Reese Laubach and Nolan Collins.
Penn State saw more scoring chances after and took a 13-6 shot advantage into the first intermission, as well as an 11-6 edge on faceoffs.
Shortly into the second period, center Luke Misa had a golden opportunity in front of a wide open net but clanged the puck off the left pipe, which briefly drew celebration lights over the goal.
The game flipped suddenly when Stonehill’s Joel Lehtinen struck for the equalizer and captain Evan Orr scored off a rebound within 24 seconds of game time.
The Skyhawks stayed disciplined defensively, closing up shooting lanes and weathering multiple Nittany Lion power plays, but freshman phenom Gavin McKenna broke through with his second goal of the season, breathing like back into the crowd.
“I think everyone can see he’s starting to feel a little more comfortable,” Gadowsky said. “I think it’s coming.”
Midway through the final frame Jarod Crespo went down to the ice with injury in the third period but returned to play minutes later.
With just 1:05 to play, Stonehill’s Cole Melady punched Penn State’s Lev Katzin in the face after a whistle, which led to a review. Ultimately, a roughing minor was assessed, though the crowd erupted in boos expecting a major penalty.
“(Katzin)’s an incredible teammate who does whatever it takes to win, and he has a knack for drawing penalties,” Gadowsky said.
Just seconds later, the Nittany Lion faithful got something to cheer about when JJ Wiebusch netted the game-winner with just 22 seconds left in regulation.
“Sometimes it takes touching the stove to learn,” Gadowsky said. “I’m glad we didn’t have to touch the stove tonight.”
