Penn State men’s hockey’s talented freshman class continues to earn ice time
He’s a gold medal-winning player for his national team, known for his goal scoring, and after two weekends of college hockey Lev Katzin has already made a big impact without putting a puck in the net.
Katzin, a freshman forward, has consistently brought energy to the ice for the Penn State men’s team. That included a late-game fracas as the Nittany Lions beat Clarkson in the second of a two-game series last week. The 5-foot-8 Katzin slammed 6-2 Ty Brassington to the ice and earned the respect of his teammates, as well as a penalty.
He was already a team favorite for his outlook and work ethic (especially in the weight room), and that play punctuated what had been a physical pair of games.
“I thrive off physicality, I love it,” Katzin said. “I’ll always do anything for my teammates.”
On a team with abundant goal scoring, Katzin’s early role has been providing energy and working hard on the fourth line. He’s embraced the opportunity, focusing on a team-first approach as he adapts to college hockey after finishing last season in the Ontario Hockey League.
He was a member of Canada’s gold-medal winning team at the 2025 U18 world championships.
As part of a proven, talented freshman class, he and his classmates have been able to earn opportunities others might not.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to find freshmen ice time because you’re scared to put them on the ice, but these guys are playing well,” Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky said.
Penn State’s ability to deal with a determined opponent may get tested again this week as LIU visits Pegula Ice Arena for a two-game series. LIU’s approach values physical, tough play. And after Penn State’s run to the Frozen Four last season, along with its influx of those talented freshmen and returning standouts, the Nittany Lions provide a good measuring stick — or target — for opponents.
Penn State has trailed in all three of its victories so far this season. While an early goal in a game would be nice, and allow the team to play with a lead, Gadowsky has been happy with the team’s poise and togetherness as it has rallied to win.
“We are happy with the mentality. I think it shows the guys like to play for each other,” he said. “But we’re also happy with the talent, those things you don’t coach, that they’re able to come through. So far, it’s been very impressive.”
For Katzin the game offers another chance to contribute and improve. He’s confident the goals will come, and until then he’s comfortable making his presence felt on the ice.
No. 6 Penn State (3-1) vs. LIU (1-2)
Series: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday
Audio/Radio: 93.7 FM, GoPSUsports.com
Streaming/TV: B1G+
Notable: Penn State leads the all-time series, 3-0. … Penn State’s JJ Wiebusch leads the nation with six goals. He has 15 goals in his last 13 games dating back to last season. … His linemate, Charlie Cerrato, leads the nation with eight assists and 11 points. … As Penn State seeks to match the productivity of the Cerrato-Wiebusch-Matt DiMarsico line, some adjustments will continue to lines in this series. … Sophomore forward J.R. Perdion leads LIU with four points (two goals and an assist).