UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State women's ice hockey freshman forward Tessa Janecke became an International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship gold medalist on Sunday night as Team USA defeated Canada 6-3.
"It's first of all just an honor to be a part of that game and that rivalry, but to come out on top is even more special" Janecke stated. "You truly are a part of something bigger than yourself when you step on the ice in that jersey. The whole experience was amazing and to win is a feeling I'll never forget."
Janecke finished her play at the world championships with three goals and three assists. She scored two of her three goals against the Czech Republic on Saturday which propelled Team USA to advance to the championship game against Canada.
The gold medal encapsulates a remarkable freshman season for Janecke. The Orangeville, Ill. native was an integral part of Penn State's championship season as she skated in 38 games and tallied 22 goals alongside 25 assists for 47 points. The Orangeville, Ill. native scored her first hat-trick as a Nittany Lion on February 25 against Lindenwood in the CHA semifinals as it was the second time in program history a hat-trick was scored in the postseason. She also broke all the program records for freshman including single season points, assists and goals.
She was named the USCHO.com Rookie of the Year and was named the All-USCHO Rookie team for the first time in her career. She is the third Nittany Lion in program history to be named to the All-Rookie team.
Janecke was named CHA Rookie of the Year, HCA National Rookie of the Year and was a Patty Kazmaier Award nominee. Additional accolades from the 2022-23 season include one CHA Forward of the Month honor, one HCA National Rookie of the Month award, three CHA Rookie of the Month awards, and six CHA Rookie of the Week nods.
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