Nov. 29, 2013
By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Although she's not the most vocal player on the ice and may not headline every stat sheet, sophomore forward Emily Laurenzi's multi-faceted and consistent play continues to aid her team in close games.
"I am certainly very pleased with [Emily's] continual consistency," said head coach Josh Brandwene. "She does a real good job in all of her regular shifts, a great job commanding one of our power play units and remains one of our top penalty killers."
The Delaware native possesses tremendous hockey knowledge, but one of her most impressive attributes is her ability to make an impact all over the ice. You name it--face offs, puck handling or blocking shots--Laurenzi is working to perfect her abilities in all aspects of the game.
"I feel like my strengths are in the defensive zone, winning battles in the corners and playing physically to get the puck up the ice," Laurenzi said. "I could work on playing more physically in the corners to create offensive scoring chances, too."
The right-hander has recently been playing on the team's first line alongside sophomore Shannon Yoxheimer and senior captain Taylor Gross. In last weekend's victory over Lindenwood, the team's first conference win, Laurenzi connected with Yoxheimer to register her third assist of the season on a power play goal. The line has accounted for a combined 23 points this season, more than any other offensive trio on the team.
"It is challenging at times but it works out really well because I try to be a playmaker. I like to set Shannon and Taylor up to score," Laurenzi said. "I try to do a lot of defensive work and get them the puck moving up the ice."
Laurenzi was relieved to get the first conference win of the season and see the team play a full 60 minutes and not relinquish a lead--something they had done in four straight losses prior to last Saturday's win over Lindenwood.
"I think we kind of just played our game the whole time and didn't let the score factor into our game plan," Laurenzi said. "We played like there wasn't even a scoreboard and everything came out on top for us."
The sophomore registered two blocks in last weekend's win, which is a facet of her game that not only helps keep goals off the board, but also translates into offensive rushes and goals for her team.
In 35 games last season she registered a total of 20 blocks, and in 16 games into this season she has already matched last year's total.
"She is a really good defensive player," said sophomore Jill Holdcroft. "She's always in the right position and seems to know what the offensive player is thinking."
Last season, the gritty skater was tabbed the team's unsung hero because of her productive style of play that was not always rewarded on the scoreboard or in the box score. She finished the 2012 season with a plus/minus of plus-six, which was the best on the team.
The consistent level of passionate play that she brings to the ice at each and every game and practice isn't a new attribute of hers. She has been playing hockey since she was just seven years old and has made sacrifices on and off the ice for the sport.
"It is my life," she said. "I love the sport and I love this team. It has truly made me who I am today."
Prior to Penn State, Laurenzi played for the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid, N.Y. and gave up other sports such as soccer to pursue hockey. When it came time to begin the college search, she never thought she would end up at a school the size of Penn State.
"I never wanted to play at a big school and I always thought in high school that I would go to a small school," she said. "But now that I am here, I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else and I'm proud to say that I go to Penn State."
As for post-collegiate plans, the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management major isn't quite sure what she wants to do after graduation, but she knows she wants to work with animals in some capacity. Although her playing days might come to an end in two years, hockey will always remain a part of her life.
"I feel like I will always be close with my teammates...they are my best friends," she said.
Laurenzi's grittiness and passion will be on display next at Pegula Ice Arena when the Nittany Lions host Maine on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.