UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In his past five games, freshman Ryan Kirwan has racked up six points (two goals, four assists), dominating the scoresheet and showing off his on-ice talents.
But Kirwan's points don't tell the full story of how indispensable the forward has become to the team.
"We knew he was really talented – and you see his shot, it's exceptional, it's elite, big time," head coach Guy Gadowsky said. "But, his attention to detail in his game, specifically without the puck, has been awesome. It's something that's been really surprising, he's so attentive towards it and it allows him to get more ice time."
Kirwan's attention to detail is something both his coaches and teammates have noticed. The New York native has a high hockey IQ, and is able to play the defensive aspect of the game well.
Gadowsky commended Kirwan's "attention to really wanting to play good Penn State Hockey," and how hard he has worked to build a good foundation.
"I think he's having more confidence in his foundation, so he's finding more and more time to pay attention to other things because he's confident in the foundation of his game," Gadowsky said.
Kirwan's linemate Kevin Wall echoed Gadowsky's sentiments, remarking how Kirwan's shot, skating, and "hockey smarts," make him easy to play with.
"(He's) making sure pucks are getting behind (defensemen), he's getting pucks to the net and he's taking care of his defensive zone as well," Wall said. "I think that's huge, because you have to take care of that before you can worry about what you're going to do in the offensive zone."
In addition to his hockey smarts and work ethic, Wall believes Kirwan's ability to learn quickly has helped their line have success, despite their short time together.
"It definitely can be a little intimidating playing with a senior and a junior as a freshman, but I think he's acclimated really well and is going to keep getting points and producing because of it," Wall said.
For Kirwan, playing on the same line with Wall and Ben Copeland has really allowed him to take his game to the next level.
Playing with two teammates who he knows will be in the right place at the right time, as well as being able to predict their movements, is something he believes has allowed the trio to achieve success on the ice.
"They're really helping me mentally. That's been huge for me," Kirwan said. "Just not feeling pressured at all – just go out there and play my game."
Despite being on a hot streak, Kirwan still thinks he has space to improve his game.
"I think I can keep improving on my speed, get more pucks to the net and just get more pucks on the wall, so that I can help my linemates just do their thing," he said.
Off the ice, Kirwan has been adjusting to collegiate life. While with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers last year, he didn't take any classes, and so he's had to adjust to playing hockey and being a full-time college student.
But, on the ice, Kirwan knows his team has his back.
"We're just all so supportive of each other, we're such a tight knit group," he said. "I think that we're all just fighting to make each and every one of us the best player we can be."
