UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — It seemed like it was slipping away. Penn State had gone winless in three games, not winning since two Saturday's prior at Robert Morris. The Nittany Lions last Big Ten win came over a month prior against the same Notre Dame team they'll take on this weekend. It seemed like a big moment was needed and someone had to step up.
Then Connor McMenamin happened.
The freshman forward was the beneficiary of a puck in the high slot after a Cole Hults shot hit off a Spartan defender. McMenamin fired a shot that beat Michigan State goaltender John Lethemon and perhaps provided the spark the team was looking for down the stretch run of the season.
McMenamin hails from Collegeville, Pennsylvania and spent the last two seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. Of his four goals this season, three of them are game-winners. He just seems to have a knack for finding the back of the net at the right time.
"It's just a weird coincidence to try and go out there to score game winners," McMenamin said.
Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky cited McMenamin as someone who the hockey gods shined a light on. Outside of the game-winning goals, McMenamin has been a steady presence on the ice for the Nittany Lions and is a part of a freshman class that offers a lot of optimism about the future of the program.
One of the many things that drew Gadowsky to McMenamin throughout the recruiting process is his ability to play a 200-foot game. McMenamin's reliability on the ice has been something that has stood out this season.
"He's a gritty guy who plays on the defensive side of the puck and doesn't cheat the game," Gadowsky said. "He absolutely plays for the team."
While only a freshman, McMenamin possesses the leadership skills that quickly earn the respect of his teammates. He was the captain of the Storm last season and was trusted on the ice in any capacity, something that is swiftly translating to Penn State.
Hults, who helped set up McMenamin for the game-winning goal, couldn't have been happier for his teammate.
"He works so hard and is the most deserving guy," Hults said. "He comes in and is a very humble individual and is one of the hardest-working guys on the team."
As usual for most freshman, the first half of the season is an adjustment period. For some, it is their first times away from home. But, for all newcomers to Penn State, it takes time to become familiar to the increased competition. Playing in a conference like the Big Ten offers some of the best competition in the country, with all teams ranked close to the top half of the pairwise rankings.
McMenamin was no stranger to the adjustment of playing college hockey, but as the season has moved along, he has continued to grow comfortable as a Nittany Lion.
"My first half of the season was an adjustment period," McMenamin said. "From there, you get to go home for break and then you come back with a little bit more confidence. I think the second half of the season we're taking it game by game to keep my confidence and consistency"
His game-winning goal against the Spartans will be seen as a confidence boost for himself, but it seems to have provided a spark as the regular season winds down and the Big Ten Tournament approaches.
With high expectations surrounding Penn State, the Nittany Lions will need to continue to rack up wins to put them in prime position to make a run once March rolls around. The atmosphere in East Lansing resembled one of a high-profile game, which is something that could be of great benefit moving forward.
"It gives you a lot of confidence," McMenamin said. "More importantly, it gives us a bit more confidence that we can win a playoff game like that. I think from there we can take that and keep going."
As McMenamin reflects back on his first season at Penn State up to this point and looks ahead, he understands the Nittany Lions still have a lot of work left to do. He also knows he can be a big part of any run Penn State could go on down the stretch of the season.
While he is pleased with the progress, he has made this season, McMenamin is most focused on achieving goals as a team, rather than any individual accolade.
"Goals for me are team goals," McMenamin said. "We have a pretty special team in that locker room. Our culture is also really special, and I think we can do a lot of things. Our goals for the rest of the season are to play Penn State hockey and go really far."
When people look back on this season, one of the turning points could be McMenamin's goal. By the looks of it, there will be plenty of more big goals for McMenamin throughout his career.
