Men’s hockey (4-4, 2-2) finished up the home series against Michigan (4-2, 1-1) on Saturday. The tough day for Penn State fans continued as Guy Gadowsky’s squad was shut down in a 5-2 loss.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions took the ice to a crowd that was clearly flattened following the football team’s heartbreaking loss in Columbus.

Despite missing Andrew Sturtz and Brandon Biro, Penn State applied pressure early on, creating a flurry of chances in front of goal within the opening minute. It was Michigan, however, that would open up the scoring. 4:10 into the opening period, Tony Calderone notched his second goal of the season to give the Wolverines an early 1-0 lead.

Michigan’s Will Lockwood was handed a 5-minute major for boarding with 12:50 remaining in the first period for after sending Cole Hults face-first into the boards. Penn State was unable to capitalize on the power play, as some surprisingly sloppy play made it difficult to get the puck in dangerous positions.

The crowd finally seemed to wake up after Liam Folkes dodged a Michigan player going in for a huge hit, only to go flying over the boards into his own bench area. It didn’t hurt that seconds later, with 3:08 remaining in the period, Pastujov was sent to the box for hooking. Despite nearly scoring on a play that was ultimately reviewed, the Nittany Lions couldn’t make the power play count, heading to the first intermission goalless.

The opening five minutes of the second period came and went without much to report. 5:54 into the period, however, Lockwood was sent to the penalty box yet again – this time for interference. 20 seconds into the power play, both Penn State’s Brett Murray and Michigan’s Josh Norris were both sent to the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct. Just as the initial power play ended, Michigan’s Sam Piazza was penalized for high sticking. The passes just weren’t connecting, as yet another Penn State power play came and went without a goal.

With 6:39 remaining in the second period, Evan Barratt was penalized for holding a Michigan player’s stick. A minute later, Michigan doubled its lead behind a second goal from Tony Calderone. Just nine seconds later, Michigan made it 3-0 after a quick goal following a face-off. Brendan Warren ripped a shot from the right side, beating Peyton Jones in goal.

Penn State finally broke through after Trevor Hamilton’s shot from the point took a double-deflection with 1:08 remaining in the period, as Chase Berger and Nate Sucese – who was credited in the goal – did enough to find the net.

The opening few minutes of the second period were fairly slow again until Michigan scored again 4:18 into the final period. Dexter Dancs scored his third goal of the season to give Michigan a 4-1 lead.

Michigan tallied yet another goal after Pastujov somehow sneaked one by Peyton Jones in goal 5:32 into the third period. Chris Funkey replaced Peyton Jones in goal following the fifth Michigan score.

Nikita Pavlychev notched a second goal for Penn State with 10:33 remaining in the game after some gritty play in front of net. Both James Robinson and Cole Hults picked up assists on the goal.

With about 8 minutes left, Penn State pulled its goalie after a player from each team was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite a few chances here and there, the Nittany Lions couldn’t bring the score any closer and dropped the game 5-2.

Player of the Game

Tony Calderone | Senior | Forward

The Michigan senior scored two against the Penn State defense, leading the way to a comfortable Michigan win.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions will kick off series against Mercyhurst on Friday, November 3 at 7 p.m.