As Notre Dame comes to Hockey Valley this weekend for a two-game series, the opponent isn't necessarily what makes Saturday night's matchup a hot ticket.
This Saturday marks the annual Wear White game. Fans always make an impact while gracing Pegula Ice Arena with their presence, but this weekend the Roar Zone and the rest of the arena will pack the stands in monochromatic mayhem.
It is no secret that Penn Staters are passionate about their Nittany Lions, but players, fans, and coaches are thankful for more than that.
Those that attend men's hockey games at Pegula Ice Arena praise the Roar Zone and the crowd for adding as much energy as an extra skater.
In his first year with Penn State, forward Ashton Calder has played in front of several student crowds around the country, but they seem different from the Roar Zone.
"I've played in big buildings, and you don't see that kind of atmosphere in them," Calder said. "It may be a close-knit atmosphere, but this is an excellent size rink. It's loud, energetic, and has that college feel."
The praise is off the charts from the team, and they feel it is a true home-ice advantage.
From the forwards to the goaltenders, Nittany Lion skaters know that playing in Hockey Valley is unique.
Fans and players alike realize that the Roar Zone is a unique experience, and finding student sections that consistently match the energy provided in Hockey Valley is challenging.
Another fascinating feat is being a member of the Roar Zone.
Seeing the student section from any other spot of Pegula Ice Arena is a novelty, but physically cheering in the Roar Zone is an opportunity that Penn Staters will always be thankful to have had the chance to experience.
Roar Zone president and Ph.D. student Troy LaPolice took over as the leading officer ahead of this season. Still, he had several years cheering on his former team as a University of New Hampshire graduate.
LaPolice's judgment on the Roar Zone comes from a lot of college hockey spirit expertise.
He believes it is a big bonus for the Nittany Lions and a daunting experience for opposing teams.
"I've been in many college hockey venues, and it's one of, if not probably the loudest venue I've ever been in," LaPolice said. "The way that the arena is designed with the student section so steep, I think that, besides bringing the energy for Penn State, it's hard for the other team to shift the momentum during the game."
Tradition is a large part of the Roar Zone. From the chants that come after a Penn State goal to the Wear White game, there is no shortage of activity during the hockey season.
Gadowsky believes his team is lucky to play hockey in front of the students at Penn State.
"We are so spoiled here," Gadowsky notes. "It is an incredibly fun atmosphere, number one, but it's also motivating. It's helpful and an absolute blast, it's fun."
Being a home goaltender playing at Pegula Ice Arena is one of the greatest gifts a hockey team could have.
Junior goaltender Liam Souliere is happy to have the crowd on his side when he takes the home ice.
"It will help us, the energy of the Roar Zone," Souliere said. "You feel it when it's there, and notice a real difference when it's not, it's uplifting, so that's exciting."
When the Roar Zone is behind the net that Penn State's defending, the students' noise and energy serves almost as effectively as the defensemen in front of the netminder.
Every conference matchup on Penn State's home ice is loud and exciting. However, the Wear White game may be the most exciting game the regular season offers.
Penn State skaters couldn't be more excited to play in front of this crowd, especially newcomers like freshman defenseman Jarod Crespo.
"I'm sure the crowd is going to be electric, and that's going to be awesome," Crespo shared. "It'll keep the energy high on the ice for us."
This game is an exciting night for fans and players alike. The uniqueness of Hockey Valley and the Penn State tradition shines on a January evening.
For those coming to the game, the task is simple. Wear white, and bring your energy and a loud voice.
As fans pack Pegula Ice arena for the Wear White matchup with the Fighting Irish, just know that it will be loud.
