Penn State is preparing to welcome Michigan State for a historic outdoor hockey match at the university”s renowned Beaver Stadium this Saturday. This event comes on the heels of a challenging year for the Nittany Lions football team, which saw the dismissal of its head coach, while the hockey program has gained momentum by landing the top recruit in the sport, Gavin McKenna, during the inaugural season of NCAA eligibility for former CHL players.
Guy Gadowsky, head coach of the Penn State men”s hockey team, reflected on a common question he has faced since his hiring nearly 15 years ago: “When are you guys going to play a hockey game in Beaver Stadium?” This Saturday, that vision will finally come to fruition as Penn State (18-6) takes on Michigan State (19-5). An impressive crowd of over 65,000 fans is expected to attend, with Penn State urging supporters to participate in their traditional White Out.
The excitement surrounding the hockey program has been palpable, particularly after Penn State football legend Micah Parsons showed his support for the hockey team during a game in Wisconsin last week. The outdoor game marks the conclusion of a significant two-game series between the nationally second-ranked Spartans and the fifth-ranked Nittany Lions. Michigan State brings a four-game winning streak into the matchup, while Penn State aims to extend its seven-game winning streak.
“Not everybody could pull this off,” Gadowsky stated, highlighting the unique nature of the event, especially as it unfolds without the involvement of the NHL. “There are going to be 65,000 people. I”ve certainly never played in front of that many before. It”s an incredible event that showcases the power of Penn State.”
All eyes will be on McKenna, who has been in exceptional form following his return from the world junior championship with Canada. As he vies for the top overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, McKenna has recorded six goals and five assists over his last five games. The native of Whitehorse currently ranks second on the NCAA freshman scoring leaderboard, just ahead of Michigan State”s Porter Martone. Martone, a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers and McKenna”s teammate at the world juniors, has accumulated 28 points in 22 games, while McKenna has 29 points in the same number of games.
This matchup could also feature a clash between the NCAA”s top two goalies in terms of save percentage this season. Undrafted Josh Fleming, who shares time in the net with Ottawa Senators prospect Kevin Reidler for Penn State, boasts a .944 save percentage. In contrast, Michigan State”s Trey Augustine, a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, holds a .938 save percentage.
“The bottom line is they”re a really well-balanced team,” Gadowsky commented on Michigan State. “They are skilled, big, strong, fast, and their defense is solid. Their goaltending is excellent, and they can score. They have no vulnerabilities. They do everything really, really well. They are as balanced a hockey team as we have ever seen. It”s not about finding weaknesses because I don”t think there are any. It”s about us playing as good and consistent a game as we can because they don”t have any vulnerabilities.”
Both teams will also need to navigate a demanding schedule. The first game is set for Friday at Pegula Ice Arena at 6 PM ET, followed by the outdoor game at 1 PM ET on Saturday. “Our biggest game of the season is Friday, and then we have to quickly refocus and prepare for Saturday,” Gadowsky added.
In related news, top CHL players have begun to make commitments as the season progresses. ESPN”s Kevin Weekes recently reported that Joshua Ravensbergen, a standout goalie for the Prince George Cougars and a prospect for the San Jose Sharks, has committed to Michigan State. With Augustine likely to turn professional after this season, Ravensbergen”s addition would provide the Spartans with a top-tier goalie.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that Maxim Masse, a star forward for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and a prospect for the Anaheim Ducks, has committed to UMass. Masse is currently second in scoring in the QMJHL while playing for the league”s top team.
Lastly, the Kitchener Rangers have made significant moves leading up to the trade deadline. Although their eight-game winning streak was halted with an overtime loss to the Owen Sound Attack, the Rangers are now on an 11-game point streak, positioning them at the top of the OHL”s Western Conference. Their notable acquisition, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O”Reilly, has made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and adding seven assists in nine games with Kitchener.
Upcoming games of interest include:
- Friday, January 30: Boston College Eagles at Boston Terriers, 7 PM ET
- Friday, January 30: Kamloops Blazers at Penticton Vees, 10:05 PM ET
- Sunday, February 1: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at Brantford Bulldogs, 2 PM ET
- Sunday, February 1: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at Drummondville Voltigeurs, 4 PM ET
These matchups feature several prominent prospects as teams continue to battle for playoff positioning.
