Penn State menโs hockey is on the verge of reaching the NCAA Tournament.ย
On Friday night, the Nittany Lions (19-12-4) took down Michigan, 6-5 in overtime, to conclude a thrilling night in Ann Arbor.ย
Freshman right winger JJ Wiebusch stole the show with his first-career hat trick, capped by the game-winning goal on the power play to give No. 15 PSU a 1-0 series lead in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals over the No. 11 Wolverines (18-14-3).
UMMMMM, YEA @SportsCenter, PENN STATE CALLING WE HAVE YOUR NO. 1 PLAY OF THE NIGHT!!#SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/xt6D6FMqXH
— Penn State Menโs Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 8, 2025
The 15th hat trick in program history, Wiebusch maneuvered the puck through his legs and past Michigan goalie Logan Stein. It also earned accolades as SportsCenterโs top play of the day in all sports.
โWhat in the world is in that bag? What you got in that bag?โ ๐ผ๐งข
NOT. A. BIG. DEAL. ๐๐จ#SCTop10 No. 1๏ธโฃ#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/YaX5txCJyj
— Penn State Menโs Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 8, 2025
Star sophomore winger Aiden Fink recorded four assists and leads the NCAA in points with 51 through 35 games this season. Penn State has only lost three times in its last 19 games and wins in 10 of the programโs last 12.ย
Ew, JJ! ๐คข #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/DhcRM3iuFl
— Penn State Menโs Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 8, 2025
Penn State entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 5 seed behind Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, and No. 4 Michigan. Seven teams earned a spot in the tourney, but only No. 1 Michigan State earned a first-round bye. The tournament changes formats to a single elimination game for MSU and the three remaining teams on March 15. The championship game will take place on March 22.
The Nittany Lions are 15-13-0 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament. Penn State and Michigan meet Saturday at 7 p.m. in game two of the best-of-three series. If necessary, the winner-take-all game three will be Sunday at 7 p.m.
