University Park, Pa.- As the Nittany Lions get ready for the final home series of the season, the team will honor six seniors ahead of Saturday afternoon's game against Mercyhurst.
For Brooke Madsen (Eagan, Minnesota), Amanda McLeod (Okotoks, Alberta), Katie McMillan (Minnetonka, Minnesota), Kate Rydland (Eden Prairie, Minnesota), Olivia Villani (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and Abby Welch (East Amherst, New York), the game marks their final time taking the ice at Pegula Ice Arena.
As Rydland and McLeod spoke this week, the memories made with their teammates will last well beyond their time playing in Happy Valley.
"It's the long road trips we've had and just the team bonding that I'll remember," Rydland said. "Over the years we've had some fun wins, just the long road trips that you dread but you know one day you're going to miss it, and then seeing all the cool rinks across the East Coast that we've played at."
"I will definitely miss my teammates and being on a team," McLeod added. "Kind of the crazy thing about this weekend is that after high school, I had another team to look forward to being a part of at Penn State, so I definitely think being on a team is what I will miss most."
When thinking about this group, head coach Jeff Kampersal clearly knows the impact they've had during their time in State College.
"I think just the heart and soul of the group is what I'll remember," Kampersal said. "They have really enthusiastic personalities and I've learned a lot about what I need to know about Penn State from that kind of cultural standpoint, from an academic standpoint. From things like how to get your kids on classes for their majors and when the time to push them harder and when to lighten up. I have such respect for them that they mean a lot to me."
Kampersal also mentioned how the group set an example for the younger players both on and off the ice.
"They're good players, but also good students as well," he said. "They set the example in both areas, and there's a few of them who have definitely helped us improve certain areas. We definitely tried to adapt to the feedback they provided and that's positive for us. They've been great about acting as being information relayers and mentors for their teammates."
Rydland also spoke about the shift in culture that her class has helped create within the women's hockey program.
"We have definitely seen changes but coach Kampersal came in and wanted to change the culture," Rydland said. "He's doing that and it's been really great to see where this program has gone in the past four years that I've been here, and I know it will be successful after we leave, so it has been cool to see that culture change."
As the players get ready for their final time in Pegula, a mix of emotions fills the air as they are both ready and taking time to reflect.
While some can get nervous with their family in attendance, Rydland is excited to have her loved ones on hand for the home finale.
"I always play better when my family is there," Rydland said. "It has been a really great four years and I want to end it on the right note. So, as much as it's going to be sad, we want to leave Pegula on a high note."
For McLeod, as she looks back, the cultural impact of being part of the Penn State community has hit her in these final weeks.
"I chose the school and I was so excited about being able to play Division I hockey, being able to use these facilities because they're so beautiful," McLeod said. "But I didn't realize how impactful the culture at Penn State is, it's really contagious. I've really loved that. I think that's the biggest thing is just taking the culture and togetherness of the Penn State community with me into the future."
With the special weekend ahead for the senior group, there is still important hockey to be played.
While Kampersal is eager to celebrate the senior class, he still wants his team to focus on getting wins this weekend as they get ready for the upcoming conference tournament.
"Most senior days that I've been involved with, we try to celebrate our seniors with a team dinner before the games, and then they can spend time with their parents through the weekend," Kampersal said. "But on the game days like Saturday, we will announce our seniors in place of starters, but otherwise just try to keep it as like game like as possible."
