Topics

More

No. 16 Penn State Hockey Wins Season-Opening Thriller 4-3 Over No. 17 Clarkson

No. 16 Penn State hockey got the season off on the right foot with a back-and-forth 4-3 victory over No. 17 Clarkson on Thursday night at Pegula Ice Arena.

The Nittany Lions were led by a well balanced offensive attack and timely goaltending from senior netminder Chris Funkey. Sam Sternschein, Liam Folkes, Nate Sucese, and Brandon Biro scored for Penn State, while Funkey made 23 saves in the victory.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions started strong, quickly putting Clarkson goalie Jake Kielly under pressure with a string of scoring opportunities in the first few minutes of the game. Kielly stood strong in net, and Clarkson was able to weather the early Penn State onslaught.

Clarkson began to grow into the game around the halfway mark of the first period. The increased pressure forced Penn State into committing several sloppy turnovers in its own zone that led to scoring opportunities for the Golden Knights.

Clarkson continued the increased intensity into the second period. The Golden Knights hard work paid off just over two minutes into the period, when Nico Sturm gave the Golden Knights the lead.

Two Clarkson penalties in quick succession set up a 5-on-3 advantage for Penn State about half way through the second period. A beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play left Kielly completely out of position, and Sam Sternschein slammed the puck home into a wide open net to tie the game at one apiece.

Then, total anarchy broke out at Pegula to begin the third period, when Penn State and Clarkson combined to score four goals in less than two minutes. The hectic start to the third stanza brought the crowd to life as the two teams continued to trade scoring chances.

Goals by Liam Folkes and Nate Sucese were quickly met with equalizers by the Golden Knights. Clarkson seemed to have an answer for every goal the Nittany Lions scored, but the goal fest would end as quickly as it began.

Brandon Biro jumped all over a loose puck that popped out in front of the net to give Penn State a 4-3 advantage with 8:59 to play in the third period. The Nittany Lions would not relinquish that lead for the rest of the game thanks to a strong defensive stand.

Player Of The Game

Brandon Biro | Junior | Right Wing

Biro capped off an eventful evening with the game-deciding goal at the 11:01 mark of the third period. The alternate captain finished the game with a goal and an assist for the Nittany Lions.

What’s Next

Penn State and Clarkson will close out their weekend series at 7 p.m. Friday.

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

Matthew Fox

Matt is a Senior from Lansdale Pennsylvania majoring in Broadcast Journalism. He loves sports, and is still patiently waiting for the Philadelphia Flyers to win a Stanley Cup. If you would ever like to reach out to Matt you can email him at [email protected].

Gameday Coverage: No. 4 Penn State Football vs. No. 10 SMU

The 12-team College Football Playoff is here.

Freshman Wide Receiver Tyseer Denmark Out Against SMU

Elliot Washington II and Tyrece Mills are listed as questionable.

Things Faster Than Clearing The Snow Off Beaver Stadium

Getting a picture taken at the DMV? Way faster than clearing this snow.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.1kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Matthew

Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone: Matt Fox’s Senior Column

“Stepping out of your comfort zone is the one of the hardest things anybody can do. But when you’re able to take the leap and make yourself do it, some of the most amazing things in your life can happen.”

A Look At Penn State’s Post Blue-White Defensive Depth Chart

A Look At Penn State’s Post Blue-White Offensive Depth Chart