Feb. 25, 2016
By Erica Avalone, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- There are a variety of things you could say about Luke Juha and the Penn State men's hockey program as a whole -- hardworking, relentless, accomplished, only four years into the NCAA.
But that doesn't begin to cover who Juha is as a person or a player and how the Penn State men's hockey team has changed him.
Juha left his home in Mississauga, Ontario, to begin his junior career in 2009. Playing for the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League, Juha dreamed of playing for a NCAA hockey program. When head coach Guy Gadowsky called him and extended the invitation to play at Penn State, that dream wasn't guaranteed.
Juha and his fellow seniors took a leap of faith and committed to play at Penn State, not knowing what exactly was to happen, or if they would have to wait out some "growing seasons".
Having played in its final home game last Saturday, Penn State's first four-year Division I class can now look back and see that coming to Penn State during the building years was one of the best things they have ever done.
"Penn State Hockey is our baby," said Juha. "For me it was incredibly special to have the opportunity to start a program with these eight seniors."
Juha, an accomplished defenseman, did not always have it easy on the ice. Battling through injuries every year as a Nittany Lion took a toll on his game and his mindset. Having to sit out games sporadically every campaign made Juha work that much harder to be an impact player when he did take the ice.
This season Juha, an assistant captain, leads the team with 59 blocks and is second on the team with a plus-16 rating. He has totaled 20 points in 28 games this season.
Juha leads by example, consistently trying to do the right thing and be a role model. Juha and the other seniors only have a few more weeks to leave their lasting impression on the younger guys and the program as a whole.
"I want them to have the same love we do for this program," said Juha.
The Penn State hockey experience is like no other. The culture in Hockey Valley is unprecedented. Juha has said that a huge part of the team's success on the ice comes from their love for each other off the ice.
"These are my best friends," said Juha. "I would do anything for them, and I think that is what fires our chemistry up on the ice."
In just four years, Juha and his classmates have created something magical.
"We have improved so much, so quickly," Juha said. "I think we have a better culture every year and I don't see that changing. With the culture and caliber of recruits improving, I see national championships in the future."
This program and culture have left an everlasting impact on Juha as a person and a player. Juha credits the program to teaching him how to find enjoyment in everything he does, even the more difficult things.
"Having this amazing facility and the opportunity to start this program from a humble beginning at Greenberg has showed me how to appreciate what I have in my life so much more," said Juha.
Juha spoke about how thankful he is that Coach Gadowsky brought him here four years ago.
"Penn State is the best University in the world. There are so many opportunities for us to learn and grow as people and players," Juha said. "There are amazing people all around you. Everyone is so proud to be here and to be apart of what we are doing."
Looking back over the last four seasons, Juha's favorite moment lies in a game against Minnesota at home last year. Juha scored the game winner in overtime against the Gophers, who the Nittany Lions were anxious to beat.
"That will be a day I never forget," Juha said.
This team and senior class started from nothing. They, along with the coaching staff, made it their mission to create something great -- and they did. These seniors will leave a legacy that will not soon be forgotten in the hallowed halls of Pegula Ice Arena. Ending this chapter in their lives they all look towards what is next, unsure of what is to come.
"When they were recruited, they were getting feedback on how they were going to lose badly for four years," said Gadowsky of the senior class. "They believed in themselves, believed in the program and believed that they were not going to lose the next four years. And to see how far they have come and what they have accomplished, wow."
Each and every one of the eight seniors can move forward with solstice knowing that they helped mold the Penn State hockey program into what it is today.
"I don't think our team really understands how lucky we are. Once you become a senior and realize your days are numbered, it hits you," said Juha.
As said in one of the most famous hockey movies by one of the most legendary coaches, "Great moments are born from great opportunities", and Gadowsky gave these eight seniors that great opportunity.