Former Penn State hockey coach and program co-founder Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Hendry died Sunday, August 30, at the age of 81, according to his obituary.

Hendry helped bring hockey back to Penn State in 1971 after a 25-year absence, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Hockey Valley.

Shortly after joining Penn State’s chemistry faculty in 1971, Hendry began lobbying university administrators to bring hockey back to campus. Hendry met with the Dean of Athletics Robert Scannel five times while students and members of the community collected thousands of signatures supporting the effort.

The program finally received approval after Hendry agreed to take full responsibility for its development.

Penn State returned to the ice as a club sport on November 19, 1971, with an 8-6 win over the Hampton Leafs. Henry coached the team to a 13-6 record during its first season.

The Icers, Penn State Hockey’s club team name, became a national club hockey powerhouse, recording 944 victories and winning seven national championships over 41 seasons before Penn State became an NCAA Division I program in 2012.

Hendry was inducted into the Penn State Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Hendry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wendy, his three children, Kristen, Kerry, and Bryan, and five grandchildren.