Those that gear up to skate daily know how physically and mentally demanding hockey is to play a standard amount in a given season.
Senior defenseman and captain Paul DeNaples is playing a lot and has skated with the Blue & White more than any player in Penn State history.
On New Year's Eve, the Nittany Lions swept then-No. 20 RIT at Pegula Ice Arena with a 3-1 victory. This contest also marked the 155th consecutive game for DeNaples.
155 games are one more than the previous record held by former Penn State forward and former captain Chase Berger '19.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky had trouble contemplating how DeNaples could reach a milestone in this area of the game.
"We were trying to contemplate it, that's unbelievable," Gadowsky said. "I mean, it's unbelievable in this game. It's so fast, and it's so physical, to be able to play that many consecutive games it just blows my mind."
The so-called "Iron Man" record is not the only talk of the Penn State locker room, but the team knows DeNaples breaking the record is hard evidence of his leadership.
Many wonder how DeNaples can break the record. Is it knocking on wood, the proper workout routine, or a bit of good luck?
It might be a mixture of all of those, but the driving force behind it is hard work and determination to represent Penn State on the ice as best as he can.
"He's an excellent player and an excellent leader, but I mean, his durability is something else," Gadowsky said. "That's incredible. I can't speak too much about it because I don't understand it."
DeNaples is thrilled with the accomplishment but more thrilled with the example he sets for his younger teammates.
"I hope that's something the guys see and say to themselves that they want to break, and I want to be the next guy to do it," DeNaples shared.
The immense time and effort that goes into college hockey is an understatement.
The passion that DeNaples has for the Penn State program and the sport of hockey itself is a reason to see why 155 consecutive games were attainable.
The culture of Penn State hockey is the backbone of what the program is trying to accomplish.
Being a captain for two years and setting this record confirms that he has bought into the culture.
Senior forward Kevin Wall says the consecutive games aren't all the captain is doing on the ice.
"He deserves it because he's put in all the hard work, and it's not like he's not selling out on the ice," Wall said. "He's blocking a ton of shots, playing through just like everybody does, and, you know, it's awesome to see."
DeNaples is so focused on his game that he didn't realize he broke the record until his teammates started calling him an Iron Man ahead of the record-setting game.
Putting in the work off the ice is the apparent recipe for success and longevity on the ice.
The team is proud of DeNaples and happy to have leaders to follow, such as him.
Junior forward Christian Sarlo expressed how proud he and his teammates are of their captain.
"I mean, it's not easy to play that many games in general," Sarlo said. "Whether it's being able to crack the lineup or staying healthy or whatever it is, it's a big accomplishment that Paul's proud of, and we're proud of as well."
While DeNaples might not have years left to play with the Nittany Lions, he does have the rest of the season.
In the rest of this season, DeNaples can add to his record and keep inspiring the next generation of Penn State iron men.
