Before the game, McKenna shared his love for outdoor hockey, a passion rooted in his childhood in Whitehorse, Yukon. He spent countless hours on a homemade rink with his dad, Willy. Yet, stepping into Beaver Stadium, surrounded by nearly 75,000 fans, felt worlds apart.
“Walking through those gates was something else,” he recalled. “Fist-bumping athletes from other sports and soaking in the crowd’s energy was unforgettable.”
Coach Gadowsky also took a moment to appreciate how far the program has come since he started in 2011, guiding the team into Division-I. “When I looked behind me and saw the packed stadium, I was amazed,” he said. “It didn’t even feel like a hockey game. The atmosphere was surreal.”
In just 15 seasons, the program experienced remarkable growth. They opened Pegula Ice Arena in 2012, had their first NHL draft pick in 2017, and made their Frozen Four debut last year. An outdoor game at Beaver Stadium marked yet another exciting milestone.
It wasn’t until Gadowsky saw the rink set up at Beaver Stadium that he truly grasped the significance of the event. “Seeing everything put together made me realize how much effort went into this,” he said, expressing gratitude for everyone who supported the program. He mentioned Terry Pegula, the program’s benefactor, who had a vision of top teams playing in front of huge crowds. “I think he’d be proud,” Gadowsky added.
Even though Penn State faced setbacks, including a loss to Michigan State, the moment remained special. “This was an unforgettable experience,” Gadowsky said. “It’s incredible to have 75,000 people show up in the cold for us.” He emphasized how the experience would leave a lasting impact on the players.
Dowiak, the team captain, shared his excitement, saying it was “the coolest environment” he’d ever experienced, regardless of where his career takes him. McKenna, who shines among NCAA freshmen with impressive stats, agreed. “This game meant a lot,” he stated. “Seeing so many people come to support us was amazing. I’m proud to be a Penn Stater.”
From outdoor rinks in Yukon to the grand stage of Beaver Stadium, moments like these remind us of the heart and community spirit that sports can foster. Not only do they create lasting memories for players, but they also unite fans and remind us of the beauty in shared experiences.
