Penn State men’s hockey resumes Big Ten with home series against No. 7 Minnesota
A three-game winning streak has amped up the confidence for the Penn State men’s hockey team and that’s a good thing because the level of competition significantly increases this weekend.
Seventh-ranked Minnesota, a traditional college hockey power, differs greatly from Lindenwood, the second-year program Penn State outscored 16-4 in two victories last weekend.
Still, Penn State got perhaps its biggest confidence boost of the season with the road victory at Michigan 13 days ago that started its three-game streak. That outcome provided some proof and a tangible result amid the Nittany Lions’ often hard-to-define quest for chemistry.
Coach Guy Gadowsky preaches the importance of persistence and a positive attitude, but it’s a lesson each team needs to embrace on its own timeline and terms. Both the coach and players think that has happened.
“When you win like we did at Michigan, you know you’re capable of beating anyone,” forward Jacques Bouquot said.
Penn State’s defensive has been consistent, and its power play has improved in recent weeks. Gadowsky said the team must build on its accomplishments — embracing what went well and working to become even better — rather than thinking it has arrived simply because of some success.
An all-freshman line, which came together out of a bit of necessity, has sparked a good portion of the recent offensive success. Aiden Fink, Matt DiMarsico and Reese Laubach have accounted for 14 goals and 19 assists, as well as a plus-16, in the past eight games.
Because good coaching results from a mix of artistry and science, elusive and tangible, Gadowsky offers a scientific sounding but artsy assessment of the line’s productivity and impact.
“It’s tough to manufacture as a coaching staff but what they have is synergy,” he said. “It’s fun to watch, and from a team standpoint it doesn’t matter if they’re freshman or seniors. They’ve certainly provided a needed spark, not only to our offense but to our overall mentality.”
Penn State and Minnesota bring similar mentality to the ice in at least one aspect. They’re the two least-penalized teams in the Big Ten Conference. Penn State has been whistled 53 times this season with an average of 9:04 in the box. Minnesota numbers are even lower — 46 and 8:08.
Penn State’s annual Teddy Bear Toss will be conducted during Friday’s game. Fans may bring a new or lightly used stuffed animal to toss on the ice, and all the donated animals will be shared with Thon families and local charities.
No. 18 Penn State (8-4-3, 1-2-3 Big Ten) vs. No. 7 Minnesota (7-4-3, 3-3-3)
Series: 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday
Broadcast(s): 104.3 FM, GoPSUsports.com
Notable: Minnesota leads the all-time series, 24-17-1, and has a slight 10-9-1 advantage at Pegula Ice Arena. … Penn State has lost three games in a row to the Gophers. … Forwards Bryce Brodzinski and Jimmy Snuggerud each have a team-leading eight goals for the Gophers through 14 games. … Gophers defenseman Cal Thomas is tied for the conference lead in blocked shots (31). … Penn State is 6-1 when scoring first this season.
