We are back, folks.

This past week, Onward State’s men’s hockey beat traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, for Penn State men’s hockey’s appearance in the Frozen Four. I shot the game as a photographer, and Nolan Wick and Jack Scott covered it as writers.

After around 24 hours in the car, we made many memories to reflect on. Although Penn State lost to Boston University, we still had a great time.

Wednesday

We were supposed to leave after class on Wednesday, but instead left at around 5:30 p.m.

Boston University. pic.twitter.com/MOdhWtkmOL

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 9, 2025

The beginning of the trip was the most fun, and we felt very alive and awake.

Our first stop was, of course, Sheetz.

Our first stop: Sheetz pic.twitter.com/P48Q0aVIuZ

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 9, 2025

Soon enough, we made it to Pittsburgh! We were playing games throughout the car ride to make it go faster.

Finally, we crossed state lines for the first time.

The superior Pennsylvania city pic.twitter.com/CRPj0M2dUW

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 9, 2025

Soon enough, we were through to the Midwest. Obviously, we made a pit stop at Ohio State before tucking in for the night in Troy.

In enemy territory pic.twitter.com/xVsFbqpj1F

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 10, 2025

Thursday

We got back on the road around 9 a.m. for the second half of the drive. I slept most of the way so I would be well-rested for the hockey game.

The Hoosier State pic.twitter.com/aihUnNugq5

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 10, 2025

Finally, we made it to Missouri, but it took us a long time to find parking.

After we ate our media meals, we got to work.

OS is in the building pic.twitter.com/KSKSegetJ8

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 10, 2025

After our loss, we had to drive an hour (in the wrong direction) to our hotel. I couldn’t sleep — not because of our loss — but because Jack snores ridiculously loud, and Nolan had a stuffy nose, but he acted like he was dying of the plague.

After spending the night in St. Clair, MO, we’re heading back to State College pic.twitter.com/ta9CxxQhRF

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 11, 2025

Friday

Before leaving to make it back to State College, we had to stop and see the iconic St. Louis Arch. After that, it was time for something even more impressive: Culver’s.

It wouldn’t be a trip to St. Louis without at least stopping at the arch, so we figured we’d do that before leaving the area pic.twitter.com/1YCZyiC71i

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 11, 2025

Mecca pic.twitter.com/UsDERe2dnG

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 11, 2025

We had Culver’s in Ohio for dinner before spending the night in Pittsburgh.

Saturday

Home sweet home.

At long last, after spending last night in Pittsburgh, we’ve made it back to Happy Valley pic.twitter.com/AXA6RL3LuB

— Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) April 12, 2025