Penn State Hockey Makes History at Beaver Stadium Outdoor Game
Penn State's hockey team made history by participating in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, drawing nearly 75,000 spectators. This event marked a significant occasion for the program, its players, and coaches.
Players and Coaches Reflect on a Unique Experience
Forward McKenna, who brought prior outdoor hockey experience from his upbringing in Whitehorse, Yukon, described the procession into the stadium and skating before such a massive crowd as a truly unique and special moment. Coach Gadowsky, who was hired in 2011 to steer the program's transition to Division-I status, encouraged his staff to take in the sight of the fully packed stadium.
He expressed disbelief at the scale of the event for a hockey game and frequently observed the atmosphere throughout each period, finding the experience humbling.
A Milestone in Program Growth
Over Gadowsky's 15 seasons, the Penn State hockey program has witnessed substantial growth. Key milestones include the opening of Pegula Ice Arena (2012-13), the selection of the program's first player in the NHL draft (2017), and its inaugural Frozen Four appearance.
Gadowsky noted that the full weight of the moment, understanding the extensive effort involved, became apparent once he saw the rink laid out in Beaver Stadium. He reflected on the contributions of those who initiated the program and the administration's support, recalling benefactor Terry Pegula's vision of top-five teams playing, though not necessarily imagining such a vast crowd.
Lasting Memories Beyond the Score
Despite Penn State being swept during the weekend, which included a 6-3 loss to Michigan State on Friday, the sentiment surrounding the outdoor game remained overwhelmingly positive. Gadowsky expressed deep gratitude for the institution's ability to host the event and praised the 75,000 fans who attended and supported the team in the cold weather.
He acknowledged the loss but affirmed that the players would not forget the "incredible" experience. Captain Dowiak and McKenna echoed these sentiments, with Dowiak calling it the "coolest environment" he would ever play in. McKenna, a top NCAA freshman scorer and NHL prospect, highlighted the immense effort people put into the game and expressed his pride in being part of the Penn State community.