Second Half Momentum Fueled by Record-Setting Season from Goaltender Arsenii Sergeev

One year ago today, the Blue & White were on the tail end of their season at 12-14-3, sitting on the doorstep of greatness amongst the ‘monster conference’ of collegiate hockey, but struggling to keep pucks out of the net.

Now preparing for the final stretch of their 2024-25 campaign, the Nittany Lions have managed a second-half surge in Big Ten play, with goaltender Arsenii Sergeev in the driver's seat. 

“He gives us confidence,” said teammate Dylan Lugris. “We have the most confidence in the world that he’s going to stop anything that gets to him, so when you have a guy that performs to that standard game in and game out, and is consistent in that success, you can go very far with a goalie like that.”

Following an underwhelming conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Penn State began its hunt for a new star in net, led by goaltending coach Juliano Pagliero. While initially attracted to his numbers, the coaching staff fell in love with his style of play.

On June 3, 2024, Arsenii Sergeev announced his commitment to Penn State University, following two outstanding seasons with the University of Connecticut, generating hope and excitement for the Nittany Lion faithful.

“Once a guy like Arsi became available, we knew we had to jump at the opportunity,” said head coach Guy Gadowsky. “He’s just a lovable guy who loves to compete and have a blast with the team. But when it comes down to it, he throws down. He is going to compete as hard as possible, and you never have to worry about if he’s going to show up.”

On November 16, Sergeev would unknowingly take the ice for the last time in 2024 against Wisconsin, as he then spent the next two months nursing a lower body injury, putting Penn State back in the same dreaded situation from a year before. 

Sergeev’s injury inevitably birthed the story of the unsung hero, John Seifarth. 

The former club goaltender, stepped into a role he was never expected to be in, and handled it with poise and served to be a saving grace in net for a team that so desperately needed a morale boost. 

On January 3, 2025, Sergeev made his return to the ice in the Frozen Confines at Wrigley Field against Notre Dame, and two days later, led the Nittany Lions to their first Big Ten victory, and his second shutout of the season. 

“When the team all jumped on John’s back, I think that gave a little more confidence that we are capable of playing a tough defensive game,” said Gadowsky. “When Arsenii was able to come back, there was such a different level of competitiveness in their game and defensive ability, because they built up their confidence and found a real want to play; not only for the team, but for Arsenii.”