Oct. 3, 2013
By Michael Renahan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's hockey team is entering a new era in their program. They have a new arena and have added some new players; but for the players returning to Hockey Valley this season, the objective remains the same.
The Nittany Lions look to have one of the most experienced rosters in the Big Ten in 2013-14. They are returning several key players, including their top five scorers and top eight defensemen, who all now have one season of Division I hockey under their belt.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky and his team spent the last two years preparing for this moment in time. The players that have been part of the team have been working hard to build Penn State into a contending program.
"We talked a lot about building a foundation and that's certainly something our players understand," Gadowsky told reporters during media day.
Casey Bailey, David Glen and Max Gardiner are among the offensive players to watch this season and have all been crucial to laying the Penn State foundation.
Each of these forwards is coming off solid inaugural seasons. They competed against some of the best players in the country and showcased their talents against a number of storied programs during the programs foray into Division I.
Bailey, a sophomore, displayed offensive balance last season when he led the Nittany Lions in points. He showed an ability to beat the goalie, scoring 14 times, but also showed his playmaking skills by assisting on 13 goals.
He was the most productive forward for the Lions had and coach Gadowsky expects him to return to the ice this season with that same tenacity and grit.
Glen enters his sophomore campaign after being elected assistant captain by his teammates in the offseason. Along with captain Tommy Olczyk and fellow assistant captain Nate Jensen, Glen has helped organize practices until coach Gadowsky and his staff officially takes over Oct. 5.
"Obviously it's a big honor for me [being elected assistant captain]," said Glen. "I wasn't really sure what my role on the team would be coming into last year, so I just tried to contribute any way I could. Like I said earlier, it's just an honor and I'm extremely blessed to be able to be one of the many team leaders this year."
Glen was the team's leading scorer last season with 16 goals on a team high 117 shots. He returns to the Nittany Lions with high expectations for this season. The forward was the first Nittany Lion to register a hat-trick and he boasts one of the best shots on the team. The sophomore was also a team-best plus-9 at the end of the season.
Neither Bailey nor Glen we're not listed on the Big Ten's Preseason Players to watch list, but they don't mind. Along with Gardiner, they are focused on winning games, not just putting up stats.
Junior Tommy Olczyk |
Gardiner, a redshirt junior, finished third on the team in points last season. When the Deephaven, Minn., native registered a point, the Nittany Lions were 10-4-0, a solid record. He is also well aware of the grind that can come from an intense schedule like the one the Nittany Lions are preparing for.
"We have to bring the same attitude each and every night," Gardiner said. "There's going to be nights when you're not at your best, but that's what our teammates are for. We have to support each other and back each other up."
Penn State also welcomes back one of the conference's best defensive units, anchored by sophomore goalkeeper Matthew Skoff.
Skoff, a native of McKees Rocks, Pa., had a standout freshman campaign in 2012. He played in 18 games registering nine wins and two shutouts. He finished the year with a 2.48 goals against average and .921 save percentage.
Skoff will also have the support of two other stellar goalkeepers. PJ Musico, a junior, saw action in ten games last season. He had .899 save percentage and registered one shutout. Freshman Eamon McAdam will join the mix between the pipes this season, as well.
In front of trio of goalies is expected to be one of the most physical groups of defenders in the Big Ten. Nate Jensen and Connor Varley are both coming off standout 2012 seasons, while Patrick Koudys had a nice season with Rensselaer of the ECAC. Penn State will also welcome back both Luke Jaha and Mark Yanis from injuries to improve defensive depth.
"They (the defensemen) obviously make my job a lot easier by doing the little things," Skoff said. "We are bringing in more guys and the more depth we have at defense, the more they can help me."
With all of the players returning for Gadowsky's team, the Nittany Lions will have no shortage of veteran leadership. Those that have been in the program for several seasons now are well aware of the goals and expectations for this program.
The message from Casey Bailey to the incoming players might capture that leadership best.
"I think they know that once you put that Nittany Lion crest on your chest, you have to go out there and give 110 (percent)," said Bailey. "This is a hard working program; I think all of our programs at Penn State are that way. I think it takes a lot of pride to come out here and represent Penn State, and a lot of guys are looking forward to having that honor."
Penn State finished the 2012 season very strong, winning eight of their last nine games.
Gadowsky thinks that gave his team a serious confidence boost and allowed the returning players on the team to help establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions made it clear they are ready to compete this season and expect a lot of out of their returning players. They will have their work cut out with them, but they appear ready for the challenges.
"I think we all have very high expectations of where we're we want to be," Gadowsky said with a smile.