University Park, Pa. — Forward Gavin McKenna turned in another multi-point performance as No. 5 Penn State wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a 4–2 win over Stonehill on Saturday night at Pegula Ice Arena.
One issue that’s followed the Nittany Lions this season has been discipline. They entered the night leading the nation with 181 penalty minutes, and that trend continued in the first period as Penn State took three minor penalties. Fortunately for the home team, its No. 4-ranked penalty kill unit held strong and kept the Skyhawks off the board.
In the second period, defenseman Jackson Smith set up forward Jared Crespo for a one-timer that beat Stonehill goaltender Connor Androlewicz, giving Penn State a 1–0 lead.
Moments later, after a tripping penalty on Joel Lehtinen, Penn State’s power play converted. Smith and forward Charlie Cerrato worked the puck to McKenna, who buried his third goal of the season to extend the lead to 2–0.
Just two minutes later, Stonehill answered as forward Justin Mexico sent a saucer pass to Zach Aben, who cut the deficit to 2–1.
Later in the period, the hottest line in college hockey connected again. Matt DiMarsico and Cerrato found JJ Wiebusch, who buried his nation-leading ninth goal of the season to make it 3–1 Penn State.
After Shea Van Olm was called for tripping, Stonehill capitalized on the power play when Pat Murphy scored to pull the Skyhawks within one at 3–2.
In the third period, following Penn State’s fourth successful penalty kill of the night, Van Olm exited the box and immediately made an impact. McKenna and Nolan Collins set him up for his first career goal as a Nittany Lion, restoring the two-goal lead at 4–2.
Van Olm became the 11th different Nittany Lion to score this season.
The Penn State defense shut down any remaining Stonehill pressure in the final frame, sealing the win and improving the Nittany Lions to 7–1–0 on the season.
No. 5 Penn State now turns its attention to Big Ten play, opening conference action next week with a two-game road series at Ohio State’s Value City Arena beginning Thursday.
Nittany Sports Now’s Three Stars of the Game
Third Star – Gavin McKenna
McKenna recorded back-to-back multi-point nights, highlighted by a power-play beauty in the second period. As his confidence grows, so too does Penn State’s offensive ceiling.
Second Star – Jackson Smith
Smith’s skating ability continues to impress. His smooth glide and positional awareness stood out as he tallied two assists and added a key blocked shot in front of goaltender Kevin Reidler.
First Star – Charlie Cerrato
Cerrato’s two-assist effort extended his nation-leading point total to 17. An underrated aspect of his weekend? Dominance in the faceoff circle—Cerrato won 30 of 39 draws (76.9%), including 12 of 17 on Saturday. For reference, anything over 60% is considered elite.
