Oct. 10, 2013
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's hockey team will open the 2013-14 season and the brand new Pegula Ice Arena Friday, Oct. 11 when it welcomes Army for an 8:10 p.m. puck drop. The game, which is sold out, will air live on BTN.
WELCOME HOME
Penn State's matchup against Army will be the first NCAA game at the 5,782-seat Pegula Ice Arena. The arena was brought to fruition through an $88 million donation - the largest in University history - in September 2010 from Penn State alumnus Terry Pegula and his wife, Kim. The $90 million facility broke ground in early February 2012 and was turned over to Penn State in September 2013.
PARKING INFORMATION
Fans are encouraged to allot extra travel time as the Homecoming Parade will cause delays on campus. Curtin Road will be closed from University Drive to Porter Road from 5:30 p.m. until the last parade unit clears.
YEARBOOKS
2013-14 Men's Hockey Yearbooks will be on sale for $8 at the Guest Services Desk near Gate A.
OLD RIVALS
Although Friday night's matchup will mark the second meeting between the two squads in the NCAA era, the teams twice faced off when Penn State fielded a varsity team in the 1940s. In addition to Army, Colgate and Cornell are the only 1940s opponents that still sponsor NCAA hockey.
PENN STATE VS. SERVICE ACADEMIES
Penn State will play both service academies for the second straight year. Last season, the Nittany Lions went 2-1-0 vs. Army and Air Force. Following Penn State's season opener, the team will travel to Colorado Springs to face Air Force for a two-game series Oct. 18-19.
SCOUTING ARMY
Army compiled a 7-22-5 mark last season and, despite losing leading scorer Andy Starczewski to graduation, returns 10 of its top 11 scorers. Penn State, which will play six additional games against Atlantic Hockey teams, is the only Big Ten opponent on the Black Knights' schedule.
TIME TO GO B1G
The Nittany Lions will begin competition in the Big Ten for the league's first season. Each team will play the other five schools four times each - twice at home and twice on the road. The Big Ten championship will be held March 20-22, 2014 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.
KEYSTONE STATE NATIVES
Penn State boasts six Pennsylvania natives - the most from any state or province. Keystone state natives include: Ricky DeRosa (Aston), Eamon McAdam (Perkasie), Matthew Skoff (McKees Rocks), Peter Sweetland (Newtown), David Thompson (Glen Mills) and Connor Varley (Lansdale).
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN
Junior Tommy Olczyk will serve as team captain for the second straight year, while redshirt junior defenseman Nate Jensen (second year) and sophomore forward David Glen (first year) will serve as assistant captains.
EYES OF A NATION
Penn State will appear on national TV at least 12 times during the 2013-14 season. The Nittany Lions will appear on the BTN at least seven times, the ESPN networks three times and NBC Sports Network twice.
UP NEXT
Penn State will travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., for a two-game series at Air Force Oct. 18-19.