Topics

More

Terry Pegula Inspires NHL Feasibility Studies Into New College Hockey Programs

Prior to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft Friday night, the league announced plans to sponsor feasibility studies into potential new Division I college hockey programs.

Penn State alum and Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula spoke at the press conference, citing the university’s hockey team as an example of tremendous success in just five years.

Pegula, whose $88 million donation to build a hockey arena on Penn State’s campus, was credited with being one of the main inspirations for this new initiative.

“Mr. Pegula…is the name that pops up as the example and the illuminating, shining star of what can happen,” John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, said.

“Terry was a groundbreaker here,” Mathieu Schneider, Special Assistant to the Executive Director for the NHLPA, added. “Maybe if not for the great success of his program, we might not be having this conversation.”

Pegula himself used Nate Jensen, a former Penn State defenseman who scored 52 points in 114 games as a Nittany Lion, as an example of how college hockey can help an individual develop on and off the ice. Jensen, who scored the first goal in the history of Pegula Ice Arena, worked for Pegula’s oil company after graduating in 2015.

The University of Illinois will be the first studied as part of this new initiative, and the popularity of hockey in Illinois and the success of the Illini’s club hockey team make it a logical spot for the Big Ten’s eighth team. Pegula’s Sabres selected University of Minnesota commit Casey Mittelstadt with the No. 8 overall pick in Friday’s draft.

As for the Nittany Lions, they have two recruits and an active roster member of their own available during day two, including center Evan Barratt, who will join the team next season. Rising sophomore winger Denis Smirnov led Penn State in scoring with 47 points in 39 games during a stellar debut campaign.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mikey Mandarino

In the most upsetting turn of events, Mikey graduated from Penn State with a digital & print journalism degree in the spring of 2020. He covered Penn State football and served as an editor for Onward State from 2018 until his graduation. Mikey is from Bedminster, New Jersey, so naturally, he spends lots of time yelling about all the best things his home state has to offer. Mikey also loves to play golf, but he sucks at it because golf is really hard. If you, for some reason, feel compelled to see what Mikey has to say on the internet, follow him on Twitter @Mikey_Mandarino. You can also get in touch with Mikey via his big-boy email address: [email protected]

Kaleb Joseph Uplifts Penn State Student-Athletes Through ‘Self Help Tour’ Conversation

The former basketball star spoke about mental health struggles in college athletics.

Penn State Professor Accused Of Stalking & Harrassment

Matthew Parkinson, who teaches in the College of Engineering, faces one count of stalking and three counts of harassment.

[Photo Story] Penn State Celebrates 100 Days ‘Til THON

Students celebrated with games, activities, discos, and more at this years 100 Days ‘Til THON event.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.3kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Mikey

What About The Class Of 2020?

On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.

Dive In: Mikey Mandarino’s Senior Column

Penn State Hockey’s Peyton Jones Signs Two-Year Contract With AHL’s Colorado Eagles