Oct. 9, 2016
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After a stellar victory Thursday night, the Penn State men's hockey team (1-1) was unable to maintain its momentum and lost to No. 16 St. Lawrence 6-3 Friday night.
Down three goals early in the first period, Penn State had to constantly be on the attack.
"Obviously we're a young team and being a sophomore I try to come in an lead the way in the locker room and make sure we come out every night and play tough," sophomore forward Andrew Sturtz said. "I feel like for the first five to 10 minutes there, we just did not do that. It was tough to come back, we did pour it on for a little bit which was nice to see but obviously we need to better, especially off the start."
Despite the loss, there are several positives head coach Guy Gadowsky pointed out about his team.
A strong performance from the line made up of sophomores Alec Marsh, Chase Berger and Sturtz anchored Friday night's action.
The veteran line is comprised of three skaters known for making plays, which Sturtz credits to their synergy. Sturtz noted that since the three of them all play a similar style, that's what makes them effective on the ice.
"I love playing with those guys," Sturtz said. "They both play the style I play, they want to get pucks deep and we want to work the other team's [defense]."
Sturtz had a goal Friday night, while he and Berger each had an assist. Sturtz's assist was on sophomore Vince Pedrie's lone goal of the night in the second period.
Another high point for the Nittany Lions was the performance of junior defenseman Erik Autio.
"I actually thought there were some real positives in the power play to be honest with you," Gadowsky said. "We did get a couple and then Erik Autio he made a couple tremendous saves."
Gadowsky was pleased with Autio's ability to make a vital save through traffic in front of the net during the game, but noted that three shots on five power plays is not the dynamic fans have come to know Penn State for.
The silver lining was however, that on the shots the Nittany Lions did get, they were smart plays.
"We had chances, we had shots, we had second opportunities, and that's what we like to see," Gadowsky said.
Despite splitting the series, the Nittany Lions are ready to learn from this weekend and move forward. Early season games, although important, provide the opportunity to lay the groundwork for following contests.
A single-game showdown next weekend at Mercyhurst provides the Lions an opportunity to get their first road win of the season.