UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - Starting the season on the road for the second consecutive year, the Nittany Lions traveled over 4,000 miles, and regressed four time zones to challenge the Nanooks of Alaska Fairbanks at the Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks, Alaska.
On the heels of an incredibly efficient offseason that saw major roster turnover, uncertainties surrounded the pending success of the Blue & White who lost key offensive performers from the 2023-24 season.
Getting to debut their newly assembled units and offseason progressions, Penn State showed off their offensive prowess by striking first with a goal from senior Danny Dzhaniyev. As the Blue & White generated the momentum that flushed throughout the Nittany Lion bench, freshman Braedon Ford was able to net his first collegiate goal, a shorthanded score, to gain a 2-0 advantage for the visitors.
Riding the high of the collegiate hockey atmosphere, freshmen Charlie Cerrato and J.J. Wiebusch worked together within the attacking zone to open scoring in the second period as Wiebusch netted his first collegiate goal, a big time play to put the Nittany Lions up two.
“It was unbelievable,” exclaimed Wiebusch. “The atmosphere was incredible, the level of competition was great, it was a great welcome to the league moment.”
The physically demanding Nanooks team would not go without a fight, as they clawed back to knot the game at three at the conclusion of the third period. Clocking in for an overtime period that started at 1:20 m.m. EST, the Nittany Lions mustered their strength to battle out a 4-3 victory in their season opener.
Senior captain Simon Mack notched the game-winning overtime goal off a phenomenal cross-ice feed from Wiebusch. When asked about his crunch time contribution, Mack was quick to shift praise to the newcomers who made the overtime possible with their two goals on the day.
“They were awesome…The guys who stepped in were solid all over the ice and were key contributors to our success, we’re excited to see what they can do for us this season,” exclaimed Mack.