Jan. 10, 2013
Friday: Watch | Listen | | Game Notes
Saturday: Watch | Listen |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's hockey team will return to Greenberg Ice Pavilion Jan. 11-12 when it welcomes the U.S. National Under-18 Team for a two-game exhibition series. Puck drop for both games is set at 7:30 p.m.
The Nittany Lions will enter the weekend at 8-11-0 following two setbacks against UConn Jan. 4-5. Freshmen Casey Bailey (Anchorage, Alaska) and David Glen (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.) continue to lead the Nittany Lions with nine goals and 17 points each, while Max Gardiner (Deephaven, Minn.) paces the squad with 12 assists. First-year defenseman Connor Varley (Lansdale, Pa.) ranks first among the team's blue liner's with 10 points (4g, 6a).
The U.S. National Under-18 Team, which most recently defeated Michigan (5-3) and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (7-2), will visit Happy Valley with an 18-7-3-4 mark. Team USA is led by Longmeadow, Mass., native Tyler Kelleher, who leads the team in goals (17), assists (17), points (34) and power-play goals (5). Netminder Thatcher Demko holds a 13-3-3 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.
FOLLOW ALONG
Both games this weekend will be available on the Penn State Sports Network (WRSC 103.1 FM locally) and through the All-Access channel at GoPSUsports.com. In-game updates will also be available through the team's Twitter account (@PennStateMHKY).
ABOUT TEAM USA
The U.S. National Under-18 Team is part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program based out of Ann Arbor, Mich. The NTDP, which is comprised of a U17 and U18 team, is in its 16th season of play in 2012-13. The U.S. National Under-18 Team plays most of its game in the United States Hockey League, while also competing against NCAA Division I and III teams and in international competitions.
TEAM USA VS. NCAA DI
The U.S. National Under-18 Team is 3-4-4 against NCAA Division I programs in 2012-13. Team USA has defeated Alabama Huntsville, Merrimack and Michigan this season.
ONE DEGREE OF SEPARATION
Senior George Saad's brother, Brandon, was a member of the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2009-10.
QUICK TO THE NET
Against UConn Jan. 5, freshman forward Casey Bailey scored the fastest goal in program history when he lit the lamp just 13 seconds into the game.
COMING TOGETHER
Since being placed on the same line against Fredonia State Dec. 11, freshman Casey Bailey (4g, 3a), sophomore Max Gardiner (5a) and junior Taylor Holstrom (3g, 2a) have combined for 17 points to lead the Nittany Lions.
ENDING A STREAK
With Casey Bailey's goal against UConn Jan. 5, the Nittany Lions broke a streak of eight straight NCAA Division I contests of allowing the game's first marker. Penn State last held a 1-0 lead Nov. 10 against Air Force.
POWER PLAY FOR THE WIN
Penn State holds a 6-1-0 record when it scores a power-play goal.
PENALTY KILL
Penn State has given its opposition at least two power-play opportunities in each game this season. After surrendering five goals in 19 chances to open the season, the Penn State penalty kill has gone 59-for-68 (.868) during the last 13 games.
LOOKING AHEAD
Penn State will continue its homestand against Neumann Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. before playing Vermont Jan. 19 in the Philadelphia College Hockey Faceoff at Wells Fargo Center.