The wait is over; Big Ten Hockey is here.
After a month of building chemistry and finding rhythm through nonconference play, Penn State turns its attention to the start of the Big Ten schedule this week.
The emphasis has been clear in practice: sharpen what already works and meet the moment with discipline and tempo.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky said the charge is straightforward as the schedule turns to league opponents.
“It’s not a matter of doing anything different; it’s a matter of doing what we do better,” Gadowsky said.
Penn State continues to shape its identity, fueled by effort, balance, and growing chemistry across all lines. Gadowsky said the “identity line” of Luke Misa, Ben Schoen, and Lev Katzin set the tone last weekend with their energy and tempo — something the entire roster aims to replicate as conference play begins.
Penn State’s early schedule tested the group in ways that now feel like preparation for the grind of conference play. Each challenge — from long road trips to comeback wins — has helped shape the team’s confidence and chemistry.
The trip to Arizona State earlier this month was one of those lessons — a moment where Penn State’s resolve was tested, and its young players gained valuable experience.
Junior defenseman, Mac Gadowsky, preparing for his first Big Ten series, said that (Arizona State) early test gave the group confidence in its ability to respond.
“Going on the road to Arizona State and coming from behind both games was pretty impressive,” Mac Gadowsky said. “Getting used to playing on the road, is always tough, no matter where it is, what team it is, so we kind of look back on that and learn from that game.”
That resilience has carried into this week of preparation. Practices have focused on fine details, the kind of small refinements that often determine Big Ten game results.
Redshirt senior forward Ben Schoen said the team knows what to expect when conference play begins, emphasizing the need to stay composed and disciplined.
“They’re (Ohio State) super good defensively and really well-coached,” Schoen said. “For us, it’s honestly just playing our game. We know how talented we are and that we can score off the rush, but we can’t be in the box; you’ll get eaten up on powerplays. For us, it’s about staying out of the box and sticking to what we do best.”
That identity — playing fast, disciplined, and unselfish — has been the team’s focus since opening night. And now, as conference play begins, it becomes the expectation.
Sophomore forward Charlie Cerrato said the team is ready to embrace the challenge.
“Starting off with a couple wins is huge,” Cerrato said. “There’s always pressure, but we’re a lot more comfortable with it now.”
He added that managing that pressure means staying grounded and keeping the game simple.
“Pressure is just tuning it out, honestly,” Cerrato said. “Stay off social media, don’t read any of the comments or articles. Just have fun and play your game. Believe you’re the best team and the best player on the ice every time you step out there and focus on yourself — that’s the best way to get over pressure.”
That attitude, echoed throughout the locker room, captures the mindset of a group determined to make another deep postseason run come March. The roster blends veteran leadership with young energy, a balance that has become one of Penn State’s greatest strengths.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their Big Ten opener against Ohio State this week, the message is simple: play Penn State Hockey. Execute the details, control the puck, and trust the process that’s carried the program this far.
“Every win in college hockey is a good win,” Gadowsky said. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re getting closer every week.”
Conference play begins Thursday night in Columbus. The lights are brighter; the stakes are higher, and Penn State is ready.