Typical weekends for men's hockey games at Pegula Ice Arena entail two skates and one stick.
However, this weekend the Nittany Lions traded in their skates for one sled and two sticks.
Penn State men's hockey held its inaugural 'Sled Hockey Classic' scrimmage game hosting the Happy Valley Coyotes at Pegula Ice Arena on Saturday, February 11.
The Coyotes were able to come away with a 6-5 victory, but the pair of hockey teams were able to enjoy hockey during a bye week, play in front of a high-energy Roar Zone showing, and raise over $20,000 in charity.
Sophomore forward Dylan Lugris was the driving force behind the whole event.
"It's hard to travel with all the gear, and there are not many teams around," Lugris said. "We thought of doing a game us versus them and maybe fundraising for them too, and it ended up being more than I'd hoped for."
The Nittany Lions were thrilled about the smiles that players from both organizations shared over the sport they love.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky could not have been prouder of his team working to put this together.
"I never thought he [Lugris] would have pulled it off, and he did," Gadowsky said. "He was able to do it because every single guy participated somehow."
The team's fundraising came through multiple efforts, including a portion from auctioning off their game-worn 'Wear White' jerseys.
Anyone interested can still donate to the Coyotes GoFundMe.
Gadowsky was ecstatic his team was able to lead a charitable effort but even more proud that the event went so well.
"It's funny, raising over $20,000 is a big deal, and that was probably the least impressive part of the day," Gadowsky added. "The whole thing was just awesome."
The team was thrilled about the event, but many had to get used to playing hockey in a sled.
Junior forward Tyler Paquette is, at a minimum, more comfortable using skates.
"I've done it a couple of times now, and at first, it's impossible," Paquette shared. "We used the two wider blades, so it's easier not to fall. I couldn't imagine using the blades that they use."
The Nittany Lions are hoping this is not a one-time success.
Hopefully, the 'Sled Hockey Classic' can become an annual matchup between Penn State and the Coyotes.
Senior forward Connor McMenamin is proud of Lugris and hopes the team can not only continue to run this event but also run it as smoothly as it went this year.
"It ran smoothly, and it's a great cause," McMenamin said. "We raised money for them, and I hope it will help for a while to come, and hopefully, we will make this an annual event."
When the Zamboni rolled out after the event, and the fans left, the event was considered an immediate success.
"From a financial standpoint and a community standpoint, we received unbelievable support," Lugris said. "It was fantastic to see everybody have a part in it."
The Nittany Lions took their break to connect with the community and help another hockey team.
This weekend, Penn State is back in action when it hosts Minnesota in a two-game Friday and Saturday series at Pegula Ice Arena.
