University Park, Pa. — With the Big Ten schedule ramping back up, No. 9 Penn State completed a series sweep of Minnesota with a 5–2 victory Saturday night at Pegula Ice Arena, riding a relentless forecheck that consistently disrupted the Golden Gophers’ rhythm and limited their offensive zone time.
The night belonged to forward Aiden Fink, who made Penn State history with a three-assist performance.
Fink eclipsed the 100-career-point mark, becoming the fastest Nittany Lion to reach the milestone. He accomplished the feat in just 87 games, surpassing the previous program record held by Alex Limoges, who reached 100 points in 102 games.
Fink’s vision and playmaking were central to Penn State’s offensive success throughout the evening.
Penn State once again found itself playing from behind early.
Minnesota forward Brodie Ziemer opened the scoring by finishing from behind the net, sneaking the puck past goaltender Kevin Reidler to give the Golden Gophers their first lead of the series.
The Nittany Lions responded quickly. As play transitioned through the neutral zone, freshman forward Gavin McKenna delivered a highlight-reel backhand pass up ice to a streaking Braeden Ford. Ford finished the play for his first goal of the season, tying the game at 1–1 and igniting the Penn State bench.
Momentum continued to swing Penn State’s way late in the first period.
The Nittany Lions generated sustained pressure by crashing the net, forcing Minnesota goaltender Nathan Airey to fight through traffic. That pressure paid off when Matt DiMarsico buried his 10th goal of the season, set up by Fink. The tally moved DiMarsico into second on the team in goals, trailing only JJ Wiebusch.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.As the opening period wound down, Penn State struck again. Another offensive rush caught Minnesota scrambling, and forward Lev Katzin capitalized, scoring the first goal of his collegiate career to give the Nittany Lions a 3–1 lead heading into the first intermission.
Minnesota answered early in the second period, cutting the deficit to 3–2 on a give-and-go finished by Javon Moore from the right side, with an assist from Teddy Townsend. The response briefly gave the Gophers momentum, but Penn State soon clamped down defensively, outshooting Minnesota by a 2-to-1 margin in the middle frame.
The game grew increasingly physical as the second period progressed. Minnesota center John Mittelstadt was assessed a five-minute major for boarding after hitting DiMarsico along the boards, sparking a brief melee that also involved Penn State forward Reese Laubach. Following video review, officials confirmed the major penalty, while Laubach received a minor for roughing in retaliation.
Penn State seized momentum after the penalty and again swarmed Airey in the crease. DiMarsico appeared to score his second goal of the night, but Minnesota successfully challenged the play for goaltender interference, keeping the margin at one goal.
Later in the period, Penn State suffered a scare when Braeden Ford was driven into the boards by Townsend and had to be helped off the ice. Replays suggested a potential misconduct, prompting head coach Guy Gadowsky to seek clarification from officials.
The third period featured chances at both ends as each team pressed for a crucial Big Ten result. The decisive moment came with just over two minutes remaining, when Fink delivered a feed to defenseman Jackson Smith, who converted to secure the victory. Fink later added a final assist, connecting with captain Dane Dowiak for an empty-net goal to seal the 5–2 win and complete the sweep.
No. 9 Penn State returns to Pegula Ice Arena next weekend to host conference rival Notre Dame, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Friday.
