The third period turned into a back-and-forth battle between the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions and the Stonehill Skyhawks, an Eastern Independent program from Easton, Massachusetts.
With less than three minutes remaining in regulation, Penn State forward Jared Crespo was called for tripping, giving Stonehill a late power play opportunity.
Moments later, Skyhawks forward Cole Maledy got into an exchange with Penn State’s Lev Katzin. It appeared Maledy threw a punch—an action that could have warranted a misconduct and possible suspension—but officials ruled it a roughing minor instead. The decision, announced with 1:05 left in regulation, drew an animated reaction from the “Roar Zone” student section.
Penn State capitalized on the ensuing man advantage. Defenseman Mac Gadowsky connected with forward Gavin McKenna, who found JJ Wiebusch for the game-winning goal—his eighth of the season and fourth on the power play—with just 22.5 seconds remaining.
Early on, it appeared the Nittany Lions would build on goaltender Josh Fleming’s 3–0 shutout from the previous Saturday. Fleming got the start again and was sharp early.
Midway through the first period, forward Matt DiMarsico—fresh off being named Big Ten’s First Star of the Week—opened the scoring to give Penn State a 1–0 lead.
The Skyhawks flipped momentum in the second period, taking advantage of Penn State’s familiar mid-game lull. Forwards Joel Lehtinen and Evan Orr scored just 24 seconds apart to give Stonehill a 2–1 lead heading into the third.
In the final frame, McKenna netted his first goal at Pegula Ice Arena from the right circle, set up beautifully by defenseman Jackson Smith and Wiebusch, tying the game at 2–2.
Penn State (6–1) will look to complete the sweep of Stonehill tomorrow night at 6 p.m. ET.
Nittany Sports Now’s Three Stars
Third Star — Matt DiMarsico
The reigning Big Ten First Star of the Week followed up his six-point performance with the opening goal of the game.
Second Star — JJ Wiebusch
Wiebusch continues to show instant chemistry with any forward combination Guy Gadowsky puts him with. He assisted on McKenna’s first Pegula goal to tie the game and scored the power-play winner in the final seconds.
First Star — Gavin McKenna
McKenna’s highlight-reel goal from the right circle swung momentum back to Penn State. He later assisted on Wiebusch’s game-winner, capping a strong two-point night.
