The Penn State hockey community has rallied around senior center Eric Scheid this week with the news of his father’s passing. Jim Scheid was a trailblazer for his son as he won the National Championship with Wisconsin in 1977. He had endured a long battle with cancer that ended on Monday, three days before his 58th birthday.

Our thoughts go out to Jim Scheid's family. 1977 NCAA champ at UW has passed away. His son Eric plays for Penn St. pic.twitter.com/TZZvUIhMSE

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) August 4, 2015

Jim Scheid wore No. 23 in college for the Badgers. His son Eric has worn No. 19 during his career at Penn State, but announced on Tuesday that he is changing his number to honor his father.

Scheid is expected to be one of the team’s leaders this upcoming season. Last year, coach Guy Gadowsky often referenced him as the guy in the locker room who was very quiet, but when he spoke, everyone listened. The departure of former top-line center Taylor Holstrom opens the door for Eric Scheid to shine, and wearing his father’s No. 23, he just might do that.

Our thoughts are with Eric and his family during this difficult time.