For the first time in his career, sophomore goalie Oskar Autio earned a win between the pipes for Penn State. It came this past Friday, when the Finland native earned a shutout in a 7-0 win over Merrimack College.
Friday night was just Autio's third start for the Nittany Lions and his second this season. His previous start came in a 4-0 defeat to Alaska Fairbanks earlier this year. Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky felt like the team let Autio down in his previous start against the Nanooks.
"The team really wanted to play well in front of him because of how we played in front of him as a group the last time he started," Gadowsky said.
Prior to Penn State, Autio spent a season with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Before that, he was a member of the Espoo Blues U20 team in Finland, and was also a member of the nation's Junior National Team. His brother Erik was one of Penn State's alternate captains during the 2017-18 season.
After not seeing the ice for much of his first year and a half at Penn State, it was nice for Autio to take advantage of the opportunity when it presented itself.
"It feels really good to get the first one out of the way and it's big for me," Autio said. "But at the end of the day the most important thing is that the team got a win."
Getting Autio experience is something of importance for the Nittany Lions. While senior goaltender Peyton Jones has seen the bulk of the action this season, starting 13 of the team's 15 games, it's important for Penn State to have two goalkeepers who can step in at any given time.
"Having your goaltender really fresh at the end of the year is important," Gadowsky said. "It is also important that your team has a lot of faith in two guys in case one goes down."
Autio understands that while he may not play a ton, it is important for him to stay fresh for when his number is called. At any given moment, he could be called upon and thrust into action for an extended period of time.
Whether he is the starter or backup to Jones, Autio is sure to maintain the same work ethic and stay ready for when an opportunity presents itself.
"You have to show up to the rink every day and work," Autio said. "Have that mindset that whenever you get your chance, you have to take advantage of it."
While it can be difficult to maintain a positive mindset when not playing much, Autio makes it a priority to always show up to the rink with a smile on his face and enjoy playing the game as much as he can no matter what role he is in.
In addition to maintaining a positive mindset, Autio has been able to get better in net each time he is on the ice.
"I think I felt more comfortable in the second game than the first," Autio said.
When it comes to evaluating goalies, Gadowsky admits he does not have much experience judging their performances outside of numbers. Both Jones and Autio fit the criteria Gadowsky sets out when looking at goaltenders.
"We want people who are high-quality student athletes and great teammates and have a really strong work ethic and commitment," Gadowsky said.
As Autio continues to develop as a goalie at Penn State, he is more focused on the team's success, rather than individual accolades and that is something that will stand out to the team and coaches throughout his career.
"It's more about the team than it is about me," Autio said. "When we win it's good and that's what we're shooting for."
