Feb. 11, 2016
By Jack Milewski, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Pioneers. That's how head coach Josh Brandwene describes the senior class for the Penn State women's hockey team.
After being the first group to set foot on the ice at Pegula Ice Arena in September 2013, the senior class is preparing for their final regular season home series against Lindenwood this weekend. And a milestone moment such as this is a cause for reflection and celebration.
Brandwene always speaks with high praise of all his players and regularly acknowledges what this senior class does and has done for the Penn State program. This week he took a moment to recognize what the senior class has meant to the Penn State program.
"They are pioneers with a capital P," said Brandwene. "When they committed to Penn State, where we're standing was still a blueprint, it was still just a dream. The program was still just an idea and this beautiful rink wasn't here yet. I can't even put into words how grateful I am to them for their commitment to Penn State and the hard work they have put in here."
That dedication to the program is exemplified by each and every senior. From captains Shannon Yoxheimer and Jordan Pardoski, to transfer senior Hannah Bramm, this Penn State senior class illustrates what it means to be a Penn State student athlete, according to Josh Brandwene.
The concept of family is always preached in the program's culture, and that remains a big part of this senior class' legacy. For Bramm, who transferred to Penn State two seasons ago, says that was the best decision she made and that she has felt like a part of the program from the second that she stepped on campus.
"This program is really special for me because it kind of gave me a second chance," said Bramm. "Joining a new team and a new culture is sometimes tough but with this team it wasn't. I think that is what separates this program from others is that it's always team first, everyone loves each other and every one works hard for each other. That's the thing for me that has really stood out and made a big difference."
Senior Hannah Hoenshell echoed Bramm's sentiment about the family atmosphere. Hoenshell said, "For me Penn State represents family. I'm proud to forever be a member of a community that exemplifies passion, loyalty, and unity."
Celine Whitlinger, another four-year senior, says that her favorite moment as a member of the Nittany Lion women's team was the very first time she donned the blue and white for an actual collegiate game - a history making 5-3 win over the University of Vermont on October 6, 2012.
"I would have to say our first game was the most memorable," said Whitlinger. "We played Vermont my freshman year and it was just a really big moment for us and the program and it was just cool to be out there for the first game."
As special as the first game was, the first time the team stepped into the Pegula Ice Arena may have been just as special for Whitlinger.
"When we first walked into the rink it was an eerie feeling," said Whitlinger. "It was dead silent and every time we play in this amazing facility with our fans it's a great experience."
Brandwene echoed Whitlinger's sentiments about the atmosphere at Pegula Arena this weekend. "To me it's an opportunity to compete and celebrate all at the same time. This group is a bunch of competitors, they love to play the game and to be able to play in front of the great crowds we have had recently is just going to be a great experience for all of us."
The Nittany Lions, along with their 12 seniors, will take the ice at home for one final regular season series, with puck drop set for Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Following each game Penn State will honor six seniors during Senior Weekend.