Nov. 25, 2015
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Freshman forward Alec Marsh has seamlessly transitioned into the system of Penn State hockey and is off to a quick start, notching five goals and seven assists so far this season.
With 12 games as a Nittany Lion under his belt, Marsh has meshed in quite nicely amongst his teammates, learning the ways of Penn State hockey and using his talents on the ice. Since he has established himself as a strong forward with great puck-handling skills, Marsh is eager for more challenging opponents as Big Ten play draws closer.
"I'm looking forward to playing some of those [Big Ten] teams and seeing just what this team can do," said Marsh. "But every game is important, so we take it one game at a time."
However, prior to his success on the ice, the 20-year-old had to get used to being a student-athlete once again. Marsh, who played for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL from 2012-15 said that his time in Iowa prepared him for once again splitting time between the classroom and the rink.
"I went to high school in Cedar Rapids for two years so I'm kind of used to the whole going to school in the morning and playing in the afternoon routine," said Marsh.
Marsh also explained that his friendship with David Goodwin, prior to attending Penn State, was a big help when making the transition to college life. Goodwin and Marsh were teammates on the Roughriders during the 2012-13 season.
"Over the years, I had talked to Goodwin a lot about coming here and getting used to the system [the Nittany Lions] have," said Marsh. "So I definitely think it's been a big help."
Marsh, now playing on a line with senior David Glen and fellow freshman Andrew Sturtz, has found synergy with his line mates.
"It's been really great actually, I really enjoy playing with those guys," said Marsh. "They're both talented and it's cool to see what the three of us can do."
Marsh credits his line's success with being able to blend their individual talents and styles with the communication needed to make plays.
"I think we've already had some pretty good chemistry going," said Marsh. "I believe it shows on the ice and if we keep working hard, we'll keep making plays."
Marsh also noted his strong support system for his success in hockey. His family is often in attendance at both games in Pegula Ice Arena and away contests, if possible.
"They've been able to come out to a few games already [in Pegula Ice Arena] and even made it to our game at Canisius," said Marsh. "They have plans to be at more of them in the future, so having their support is really awesome, I really appreciate it."
Marsh, whose years in with Cedar Rapids along with his time with the Fargo Force and Sioux Falls Stampede distanced him from his family in New Jersey. Now in Central Pennsylvania, Marsh is happy to be back closer to home.
With his success early this season, Marsh is looking to build off this momentum and use it to help the Nittany Lions on the ice.
"Whatever I can do to get my team the win, I'll do it," said Marsh.
Penn State will face off against Vermont in Philadelphia this Sunday at 1 p.m. as part of the Philadelphia College Hockey Faceoff.