No. 8 Penn State men’s hockey (11-6-0, 4-4-0 Big Ten) was edged out by RIT (11-8-0, 7-5-0 AHA) on Saturday night in Rochester. Despite controlling the pace of play for most of the game, the Nittany Lions were unable to overcome a career performance from Tiger netminder Jakub Krbecek.

The game marked the first game on the calendar for Penn State in 2026, and the first matchup following a long, five-week break due to the Spengler Cup and World Juniors. Gavin McKenna was absent from the lineup as he continues to represent Team Canada in the latter tournament. Aiden Fink and Cade Christensen both returned to the lineup after suffering injuries in the months prior.

How It Happened

Josh Fleming got the starting nod between the pipes. Dane Dowiak, Reese Laubach, and Aiden Fink served as the starting forwards for the Nittany Lions, with Jackson Smith and Jarod Crespo anchoring the blue line.

RIT controlled the opening faceoff, but the puck deflected out of play almost immediately. Dane Dowiak was knocked to the ground following a hit, with both teams beginning the game with much intensity and physicality. The Nittany Lion captain recorded the first shot of the game.

Penn State struggled to get the puck out of its zone three minutes into the action, but Dowiak was eventually able to secure possession and pass it over to Laubach, who gained the zone with a speeding Fink.

A flurry of Penn State shots began courtesy of Mac Gadowsky, who was able to get the puck on net for a high-danger chance. Nolan Collins, Luke Misa, Shea Van Olm, and Jarod Crespo all got in on the action, but RIT goalie Krbecek stood tall.

The Tigers’ net minder made another fantastic save on Gadowsky, who was making his offensive presence known alongside Cade Christensen, making his season debut.

Moments later, Penn State had a defensive lapse, giving up a 2-on-0 opportunity, resulting in RIT scoring the first goal of the game. Evan Konyen scored off the back of the net with an assist from Austin Brimmer. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead 6:28 into the action.

Fink had the next best opportunity, shoveling a backhand to the net that Krbecek turned away. Crespo ripped the rebound on goal but was denied.

The first power play of the game came following a Kevin Scott slashing penalty. The Nittany Lions would try to even the score against one of the top penalty kill units in the nation.

The Nittany Lions had a few opportunities via a trio of shots from the Behind-The-Back Boys, but all three missed the mark. Penn State was dominating the shot battle to this point in the game, leading the Tigers 14-2 in this metric. However, the blue and white were unable to capitalize on the man advantage.

Penn State applied sustained pressure to begin even-strength play, with RIT struggling to clear the zone. The Tigers were finally able to send the puck down the rink, but the Nittany Lions immediately regained possession and turned it up ice.

Christian Catalano had RIT’s next best chance to double the team lead after the sequence of Penn State offensive action, with Fleming coming up big to prevent a goal. Shea Van Olm was guilty of a high-sticking penalty amidst the chaos, as Penn State would find itself on the penalty kill for the first time.

The Nittany Lions would successfully kill off the penalty, with Smith and Ben Schoen applying some intensity following a two-minute minor. Both were able to muster shots, but Krbecek once again shut the door.

The first period drew to a close, with Penn State finding itself in a 1-0 hole despite a strong 20 minutes.

RIT won the faceoff to begin the second period. The teams played relatively even for the first two minutes, with Misa and Christenson tallying shots.

It wasn’t long before the Nittany Lions continued their dominant play that was present for a majority of the opening period. Penn State had RIT on its heels for much of the next five minutes.

Charlie Cerrato was faced with a solid scoring chance halfway through the frame, but Krbecek turned away the shot. Fleming returned the favor shortly after, denying a 2-on-1 opportunity for the Tigers.

Penn State nearly tied the game after Matt DiMarsico and Fink entered the zone on a 2-on-1 rush. DiMarsico attempted to pass the puck over to Fink, but the RIT defense broke it up after slow decision-making from the Penn State winger.

Less than a minute later, Misa and Schoen nearly found the back of the net, but neither player could capitalize on the loose puck around the RIT crease. Lev Katzin got in on the action on the following rush but missed the mark.

Both teams continued to create chances, as a breakaway opportunity by Ty Whyte was deflected by Fleming. Charlie Cerrato subsequently fired a clapper right into the chest of Krbecek. Christensen ripped a shot that was deflected skillfully by Braedon Ford, but the RIT goalie made a great toe save to maintain the Tiger lead.

Despite the extent of close calls, the second period drew to a close with RIT maintaining its 1-0 advantage.

RIT once again won the faceoff to begin the period. Jackson Smith and Penn State wasted no time, as he rocketed a shot just 20 seconds in. The Nittany Lions had an offensive zone faceoff a minute into the frame. Carter Schade threw a puck on net, but the deflection was blocked by Krbecek.

Penn State continued to buzz, notching four shot attempts in less than two minutes. The goal was knocked out of position, temporarily stalling the team’s momentum. Lev Katzin was then faced with an opportunity out in front, but his shot was blocked.

Nearly eight minutes into the period, RIT somehow could not capitalize on a puck that passed right through the crease. The shot by the Tigers miraculously stayed out, as Penn State caught a major break. Fleming followed this sequence up with a nice save, once again preventing any further damage.

This game has been the tale of the RIT goaltender. Just when Penn State had another chance to steal the equalizer, Krbecek sprawled out to make his 36th save of the night remarkably.

With six minutes to go in regulation, Misa took a shot that missed a seemingly wide-open net. Even when Krbecek was not a factor, Penn State could not seem to knock one in.

This trend continued all the way through the final whistle. The Nittany Lions dropped the opening game against RIT 1-0, as Penn State will look to avoid a sweep tomorrow night at home.

Takeaways

• Christensen was a welcome addition to the lineup, and he had a strong performance in his season debut. His chemistry with Gadowsky was noticeable, providing great upside to a blue line that struggled in the first half of the year.
• Gadowsky and Smith each had an impressive game, tallying five shots on goal apiece. Aiden Fink recorded just one, but looked the part of a star player in his return to the ice.
• The Behind-The-Back Boys were buzzing throughout the game. They seemed due to find the scoresheet, but could not capitalize on their opportunities.
• Penn State significantly outplayed RIT in the first period, despite falling into a hole. The Nittany Lions outshot the Tigers by as wide a margin as 13 at one point. The second period was slightly more even-matched, but the blue and white maintained offensive intensity throughout the game. Penn State registered 44 shots on goal over the course of the game, more than double RIT’s 21.
• Krbecek played out of his mind. His 44-save shutout matched a career high for him and shattered his season best. Krbecek absolutely stole the game for the Tigers and was the main reason why RIT was able to pull off the upset.

What’s Next?

Penn State and RIT will face off once again tomorrow night, this time at Pegula Ice Arena. Puck drop is slated for 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, and the game will air on Big Ten Plus.