Nov. 29, 2012
By Pat White GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
Despite dropping a two-game series to No. 7 Union College (8-2-1), the Penn State men's ice hockey team (6-5-0) took another step forward in building a foundation for the program.
"I think we can take a lot of positives (away from the Union series) because we were in two games with the No. 7 team in the country," assistant coach Keith Fisher said. "We're not at that level yet, but we aren't far."
Union was the No. 1-ranked offense in the country, but they were kept in check by some stellar play by the Penn State defense. Sophomore Tommy Olczyk (Long Grove, Ill.) was pleased with the way the team played against a top-10 team.
"Unfortunately we didn't come away with the results that we wanted," Olczyk said, "but there were some positives to take out of there. [Union] is first in the ECAC, was in the Frozen Four last year, and is definitely the best team that we've played all year. They're a very respectable opponent."
One of the bright spots of the weekend was the play of freshman goaltender Matt Skoff (McKees Rock, Pa.). Skoff stopped 82 of 86 shots in the series, including a career-high 42 saves on Sunday. He made some spectacular saves and displayed great lateral movement to keep up with Union's quick passing.
"Playing a team that went to the Frozen Four last year will give any goalie confidence to get in the net and measure yourself against the best kids in the country," said Skoff. "It was a good weekend for the team to figure out that we can play against teams in the top 10. It was a good confidence builder."
Olczyk said the team showed their identity as a hard-working team in the series with the Dutchmen. The Nittany Lions showed that they can play tough against any team, and Olczyk is pleased with the progress of the team.
"I think we're progressing a little bit faster than people thought we would," Olczyk said. "I thought it would be a tougher transition, but we have been able to hang with Union and beat Air Force. We're just trying to take it one game at a time and don't want to look too far."
An area that Penn State has excelled in this season is the penalty kill. Union came into the weekend matchup with the top-ranked power play in the NCAA, but was held to only one goal on eight attempts.
"We stick to our habits: forcing the puck, forcing a dump, getting in lanes and blocking shots are really what we're about," freshman forward David Glen said. "So far we've done a good job with that."
After the successful weekend at Union, Fisher expects the team to use the success against Union as fuel for the rest of the season.
"We have to move forward," Fisher said. "We were given a good lesson by Union about how hard you have to work to be a top team and pay attention to details, not only in practice but in games. We need to carry that over no matter who we play."
The Nittany Lions look to continue that success as they prepare for a matchup with the No. 1 club team in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, Arizona State (18-0-0). A few members on the PSU team faced ACHA competition last year at the club level, but the team is preparing for Arizona State like any other opponent.
"We have to get up for every game," Glen said. "The point of this season is to build a foundation, and it starts over every single game and practice. We make sure we stick to our fundamentals."
Arizona State brings a high-octane offense into the weekend matchup with Penn State. The Sun Devils have scored 114 goals in 18 games while only allowing 29 goals. Olczyk is expecting the team to play the brand of Penn State hockey they know best.
"We don't change our game for anyone," Olczyk said. "We play our way so that we can be successful and there's no reason to change it. We just have to play hard and the results will come."
Penn State kicks off the weekend matchup with Arizona State on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion.
--NITTANY LIONS--