Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey
Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey is a formidable collegiate ice hockey team that represents Pennsylvania State University. Established in 1938, the team has been competing in the NCAA Division I as a founding member of the Big Ten Conference since 2012. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history, roster, and achievements of the Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey team.
History of Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey
The Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey program started in 1938, and it was a club sport until 2012 when the university announced its upgrade to NCAA Division I status. The team has had its fair share of struggles throughout its existence, but it has also enjoyed several successful seasons as well.
In its first season, the team played only one game, which it tied with Villanova. The team played mainly against other club teams in the Eastern Intercollegiate Hockey League for several decades until it transitioned to the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II. From 1984 to 2011, the Nittany Lions won four ACHA Division II national championships.
The program transitioned to NCAA Division I and the Big Ten Conference in 2012. Its first NCAA game was played on October 12, 2012, against American International College, which it won 4-1.
Roster of Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey
The Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey team has an impressive roster of talented student-athletes who have dedicated themselves to the sport. The current roster is led by head coach Guy Gadowsky, who has been with the program since its transition to NCAA Division I in 2012.
The team's roster is made up of players from different backgrounds, with many of them hailing from Canada and the United States. The team also has several international players from countries like Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia. Some of the standout players on the roster include Aarne Talvitie, Chase Berger, and Evan Barratt.
Achievements of Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey
The Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey team has achieved many milestones throughout its history. Before joining the NCAA Division I in 2012, the team won four ACHA Division II national championships in 1984, 1990, 2000, and 2001.
Since joining the NCAA Division I, the team has had several notable achievements, including its first NCAA tournament berth in 2017. The team has also had several players selected in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft, including Casey Bailey and Vince Pedrie.
The team has also won several conference championships, including the Big Ten Regular Season Championship in 2021. Under the leadership of head coach Guy Gadowsky, the team has continued to show significant promise and is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
Conclusion
The Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Ice Hockey team has come a long way since its establishment as a club sport in 1938. Today, it is a highly competitive NCAA Division I team that continues to make strides towards greatness. With its talented roster, skilled coaching staff, and dedicated fan base, the Nittany Lions are sure to make their mark in the ice hockey world for years to come.