State College youth hockey players get first crack at Beaver Stadium games

When Terry Pegula donated $102 million to Penn State to transform the hockey program, one of the expectations was that the community would be involved in the process and programming. So, as Penn State’s hockey programs prepare to take the ice in Beaver Stadium, it’s only fitting that local hockey teams get their first crack at a stadium series.

From 8U to 18U, players from the State College Youth Ice Hockey Association took the newly frozen ice in Beaver Stadium Wednesday for a scrimmage.

“It’s pretty cool, you don’t normally get to do stuff like this,” said Eli Elkin, a goaltender for the 12u team. “[I’m looking forward] to playing some hockey, having some fun.”

Elkin’s right, you don’t normally get to do stuff like this. In fact, it is the first time it has been done in Beaver Stadium. When announcing the outdoor hockey games this summer, Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft called it a “historic moment” for the hockey program, fans and entire Penn State community.

For some players, that idea of hockey at Beaver Stadium doesn’t seem far-fetched, but the parents have tried to emphasize how remarkable the opportunity is.

“[The players] are excited, but I don’t think they totally understand it yet,” said SCYIHL’s secretary, Maggie Hazey.

Sarah Windish, a mother of two players, met her husband at Penn State and has only missed one Penn State home football game in over two decades.

“I can remember a time when nothing other than football happened here,” she said. “It’s a unique experience, and for them to have this opportunity the first time it’s available is really awesome.”

SCYIHA President Bryan Ollendyke previously told the CDT that the Icers immediately jumped at the opportunity to play games in the stadium, fundraising at Penn State hockey games to make it a reality.

Not only are the games a big deal to local hockey, but also a big deal for Pennsylvania youth hockey. Greg Tyson, an assistant coach for the Icers, believes this will encourage kids to lace up their skates and pick up a stick.

Many of the Icers also plan to attend the Penn State games at the stadium — women’s hockey plays Robert Morris at 1 p.m. Friday and men’s hockey will face Michigan State at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Before that, State College hockey is next to play a game at Beaver Stadium. The Little Lions will play Altoona at 6:15 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free.