Feb. 26, 2014
By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - As the Penn State women's hockey team is preparing for the College Hockey America Tournament, some student-athletes can't help but reflect on their careers that are nearing an end.
"This team has meant the world to me throughout my Penn State career," said graduate student Lindsay Reihl.
The assistant captain has appeared in all 69 games that the Nittany Lions have played since moving to the Division I level of competition in 2012-13. Her consistency, durability and gritty efforts have been a cog in the Blue and White's defense since the birth of the program and she earned the "A" patch prior to the 2012-13 campaign.
"She has had a fabulous run here at Penn State," said head coach Josh Brandwene. "She's been at her best when she is making consistent simple decisions and I've been really pleased with her play and her efforts these past years. She is someone with experience and is a veteran Penn Stater so assistant captain was a great fit for her."
On and off the ice, the 5-foot-4 defender has helped her team grow into the best, cohesive unit that it can be. She joined the club team in 2009 as a freshman and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors her freshman, sophomore and junior campaigns.
"I watched this team grow from the club level to the varsity level and being a part of that was something that was unique and is a huge part of me and my identity here,' Reihl said.
Currently earning her master's degree in academic counseling, Reihl plans to remain in Happy Valley the next few years to complete her degree and then pursue a career as an educational counselor at the high school level. This is her last season competing collegiately, but she knows that the sport of hockey and Penn State will stay close to her for a lifetime.
"There are girls on this team that I know I will be lifelong friends with," she said. "I'm sure I'll play hockey in the future because I'll always be playing hockey...but nothing will compare to this level or playing at Penn State."
Reihl's impact on the coaching staff and her teammates has been undeniable in her time wearing the blue and white.
"Her poise and how she conducts herself as a mentor has been very beneficial for this young team and I am very appreciative," Brandwene said.
"Lindsay has been there for me the whole season and she has really helped me develop and taught me a lot," said freshman defender Kelly Seward.
Reihl is one of five student-athletes that will be suiting up for the last time this season. Seniors Taylor Gross, Jenna Welch, Nicole Paniccia and graduating junior Tess Weaver join her. Although the program is young, these departing Nittany Lions are confident that team will continue to grow after they graduate.
"The younger girls on this team are absolutely going to carry the team for the next few years and it is going to continue to develop into an amazing program," Reihl said.
This weekend, the team heads to Rochester, N.Y., for a three-game playoff series with RIT. The winner of the series will advance to play No. 1 seed Mercyhurst in Erie, Pa.
"Heading into the playoffs--I'm excited but I'm sad that it is going to be my last handful of games," Reihl said.
Penn State dropped three of the four contests with the Tigers this season and earned a 2-2 tie against the rival squad at home in January. Friday's puck drop is set for 7 p.m., Saturday's game will begin at 2 p.m. and Sunday's game--if necessary--will also faceoff at 2 p.m.