UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- After a long seven months off, Tyler Paquette is excited to be back on the ice.
The freshman forward grew up outside of Philadelphia, so he had a lot of familiarity with Penn State. He envisioned himself one day being in Happy Valley and is now seeing that dream become a reality.
"I've been adjusting well here and I'm starting to grow to love it," Paquette said. "It's been a lot of fun."
Prior to coming to Penn State, Paquette spent last season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL after playing two seasons with the Des Moines Buccaneers. He had 11 goals and 12 assists over 46 games with Green Bay in 2019-20.
Much like his fellow teammates, Paquette has his own story of how the Coronavirus pandemic impacted him. Things were continuing to operate as normal in early March, but then Paquette and his teammates lost everything they were working towards.
Paquette came to the rink for practice and his team was told their practices would be canceled for a day or two out of precaution, but things quickly got worse.
"Two days later we had another meeting and got sent home," Paquette said. "We were upset about it, but we've learned from it."
It was certainly a humbling experience for Paquette, and it was nearly two months until he was able to get back on the ice. Even though his time was cut short, Paquette is extremely grateful for the experience he had in Green Bay and all the lessons he learned.
"I had a pretty good year and the coaches would harp on me about the transition to college," Paquette said. "What I need to do and play to my strengths."
The recruiting process wasn't extremely difficult for Paquette. Since he grew up a Penn State fan, he knew this was always where he wanted to be. He cites the coaching staff, and especially coach Gadowsky as big reasons in him coming to Penn State.
Paquette also added that the atmosphere of Pegula Ice Arena is another thing that drew him to Penn State. He attended the final game of the 2016-17 season, in which Penn State beat Wisconsin 6-0. It was from then that Paquette knew Pegula was where he wanted to play.
"The atmosphere and rink are second to none," Paquette said. "It's a really good place to further my career."
Now, the next goal for Paquette will be adjusting to the college game at Penn State. Not playing in a competitive game since March is one adjustment but making the jump from the junior game to the Big Ten is another big step as well.
Paquette described the adjustment to a new level as hitting the reset button. He compares it to making the jump to the USHL a few years ago.
"All the guys are bigger, stronger and more experienced," Paquette said. "So, I'm just trying to learn from the older guys and adopt the new playing style and the way Penn State likes to play."
Paquette has learned a lot from his older teammates, especially from his mentor Adam Pilewicz. While Pilewicz hasn't played a ton over his time at Penn State, he has made a huge impact off the ice. That resiliency and leadership are things Paquette hopes to acquire from working with Pilewicz.
In addition to Pilewicz, all of the older guys have made an impact on Paquette in a short time. The team knows that they have big shoes to fill after losing 10 seniors last season, but Paquette says himself and the team don't feel the stress of filling that void.
"I wouldn't say there is pressure on us," Paquette said. "The older guys have done a great job leading us."
Right now, Paquette is working to carve a roll for himself and make an impact. He's excited because he feels his style of play fits right in at Penn State.
"I like to be around the net," Paquette said. "I'm not someone who is going to dangle three guys. I'm fast, I can drive wide. I have a strong shot. So, I think my play style is really going to fit in."
But, ultimately, it's going to be his team-first mentality that will help Paquette make an impact with the Nittany Lions.
"I'm willing to do whatever will help our team win," Paquette said.
