Nov. 11, 2015
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Tallying five goals and three assists in eight games, freshman forward Chase Berger has made an immediate impact in his first few weeks on the ice as a Nittany Lion.
Berger, who found success in the USHL with the Tri-City storm from 2012-15, has said the transition to college hockey has been smooth.
"I think the biggest difference is just the strength of everyone," noted Berger. "I don't think its necessarily too much more physical but just the simple things, like getting the puck from down low, stuff like that, guys are a lot stronger on their sticks so it makes it tougher to kind of get to loose pucks and come out winning battles."
The St. Louis native, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday, was attracted to Penn State because of his familial connection to head coach Guy Gadowsky.
"My older brother Jack played for coach Gadowsky at Princeton and he was saddened when Gadowsky left, but I had heard great things about him," said Berger. "When I visited Princeton I was talking to some of the other guys who played for him for more years than my brother and they had nothing but great things to say about him."
When it came time to make a decision, Berger didn't hesitate.
"I decided [Gadowsky] was the kind of guy I wanted to play for," said Berger.
Already making a big impact on offense, Berger credited his older line mates for allowing him to be successful and to grow quickly with the team.
"My line mates have been really good," said Berger of line mates Curtis Loik and Kenny Brooks, both seniors. "They've given me a lot of confidence to make plays."
The coaching staff has also given Berger many opportunities to prove himself early on this season, using Berger as a key member on both the power play and penalty kill.
"I thank [the coaching staff] for giving me the challenges and I hope to keep being put into situations like that," said Berger.
More than a month deep in this season's campaign, Berger has settled in nicely with what is the identity of Penn State hockey. Berger's confidence has allowed him to remain calm in high-pressure situations on the ice and become one of the most consistent players in a Penn State sweater.
Although he has meshed well with his teammates, Berger still has more to learn from the veteran Nittany Lions. Berger spoke of what he's absorbed during his few months in Happy Valley.
"Just how to work hard," said Berger. "At the same time it's a team atmosphere and it's not necessarily just about you. Everyone's different but when you come to the rink it's all about Penn State hockey and just being consistent."
As for his day-to-day routine, Berger knows it all starts with the basics in practice, from puck handling to always getting better on the ice.
Long-term, Berger stated that he doesn't look too far ahead, but rather focuses on the here and now of playing hockey at the collegiate level.
"I don't set too many long-term goals," said Berger. "I try to just take it day by day and be the best I can be every single day."
When prompted, Berger does however have a direction he would like to see the team head in.
"I think my short-term goal would be for the team to succeed, and if I can help that in any way," said Berger. "So I feel like if I'm pushing myself every single day that will help the team win."
Berger's dedication to the team's success will be put on display this weekend as he looks to continue his success in front of the opposing goalie's net and score more goals for the Nittany Lions. This will be the last time Penn State will play at home until Dec. 4.
Penn State hosts Sacred Heart on Friday at 7 p.m. and again Saturday at 4 p.m.