Penn State men’s hockey will begin the 2026-27 season inside the national rankings.
The Nittany Lions checked in at No. 17 in the preseason USCHO Division I men’s poll released Monday, six spots below where they finished last season.
Penn State went 21-14-2 in 2025-26 and earned an NCAA Tournament berth before its season ended with a 3-1 loss to Minnesota Duluth in the Albany Regional semifinal.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky’s biggest challenge entering the new season will be replacing a significant amount of offensive production.
Gavin McKenna led Penn State with 51 points during his lone season in Hockey Valley before being selected first overall in the NHL Draft and signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Aiden Fink, Matt DiMarsico, Charlie Cerrato and Kevin Reidler also moved on to the professional ranks.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Penn State reloaded with several intriguing additions. Maine transfer Justin Poirier scored 18 goals and 29 points in 27 games last season, while freshman Kale Dach recorded 75 points with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Marco Mignosa and Justin Larose also arrive following productive major junior seasons.
The Nittany Lions return senior captains Dane Dowiak and Reese Laubach, along with sophomore defenseman Jackson Smith, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection last season.
In net, Josh Fleming returns after posting a .924 save percentage and will be joined by CHL Goaltender of the Year Ryden Fetterolf.
Penn State opens the season Oct. 9 at No. 15 UConn before hosting No. 7 Quinnipiac on Oct. 16 at Pegula Ice Arena.
