UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The puck is about to drop for the first time in the 2025-26 season as Penn State men’s hockey faces its first opponent, No. 14 Arizona State, October 3-4. The team looks forward to continuing its success after a run to the Frozen Four last season.
Before the first faceoff, head coach Guy Gadowsky and players met with the media on Monday to discuss last season’s run, the new leadership group, expectations and the newcomers.
The New Leadership Group
A new captain for the hockey program was bound to be announced with last year’s captain Simon Mack’s graduation. After showcasing great leadership skills, even as an underclassman, junior Dane Dowiak was named the 12th captain in program history.
“I look at all the past captains that have been here and the leadership groups that I’ve been lucky to be around. I was excited,” Dowiak said. “Obviously, it's a huge honor. Those guys have taught me so much, so I feel like I’m well prepared. But, at the same time, I just follow the support from my teammates. It wasn't one person that decided, it was the whole team.”
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native will be joined by senior Jarod Crespo, who will also be assuming a leadership position for the first time in his collegiate career as alternate captain.