Oct. 8, 2015
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Freshman defenseman Vince Pedrie is no stranger to the Big Ten. The hard-hitting Minnesota native may have grown up in enemy territory, but has now found his home at Penn State.
Coming off of a successful 2014-15 season with the Tri-City Storm, Pedrie spent four seasons in the USHL with various teams. Pedrie departed the league as the older player in the 2014-15 season, something Pedrie likes to occasionally joke about.
"Being the oldest guy in the USHL it was nothing that I thought was awesome by any means but it was just a different way to look at it," said Pedrie. "Every guy hits different peaks in their career and maybe I was a late bloomer but I'm just very fortunate just to be here,"
Here in Happy Valley, Pedrie has settled in as part of the newest class of Penn State hockey. Eight freshmen have joined the Nittany Lions this season, and Pedrie has stood out even with only one exhibition game of experience.
During the exhibition game against Windsor on Oct. 3 where Pedrie had two assists, head coach Guy Gadowsky was pleased with the freshman's performance.
"He is an offensive player for sure, he's got a little jam to him as well," said Gadowsky. "The thing we thought would translate best to Penn State hockey is how he just loves to shoot the puck."
Having successfully completed his first game for the Nittany Lions, Pedrie has simultaneously succeeded in getting back into the swing of things when it comes to the academic part of college hockey.
"I didn't have any issues getting adjusted to being a full-time student again," said Pedrie. "I graduated high school in 2012 so I took a little time off but it's been nothing too strenuous [starting school again]."
A critical aspect of the transition Pedrie noted is having a strong familial support system. Pedrie is close with both his parents, but especially his father Larry. Larry Pedrie is no stranger to Big Ten hockey either, having been an assistant coach at Michigan from 1987-90.
"He coached at Michigan a while ago and was kind of a big part of turning their program around," said Pedrie. "He wanted me to be at a place where I could succeed as a student and as an athlete and I think he was thrilled when I decided to pick Penn State."
Picking Penn State was an easy task according to Pedrie, made easier by having the full support of his family no matter where he chose to attend school.
"For me first it was probably the coaching staff," said Pedrie. "They're phenomenal, and as soon as I met them and had a good conversation with them I felt at home."
For Pedrie his home may now be central Pennsylvania, but his parents have also since left his childhood home of Minnesota. Now in Chicago, Pedrie's parents are more likely to attend road games Penn State will play in Big Ten country this season.
"Unfortunately for me my parents aren't from around here," said Pedrie. "But they're kind of in a central spot in Chicago where any away game really is a makeable drive with Michigan only being four hours away and Michigan State even closer."
Having the support on the road is crucial, Pedrie explained. A familiar face or faces is welcomed anytime the Nittany Lions face a road test.
"They'll probably see more of my away games rather than games at Pegula but it's nice just to have them on the road and they'll be at Pegula when they can," said Pedrie.
As for his love of hockey, for Pedrie it all stems from his Minnesota roots and his close relationship with his father. And although he may have once been a Wolverine, the eldest Pedrie is more than thrilled to root for his Nittany Lion son.
"He couldn't have been happier for me and he has told me several times if he could pick a place for me to play it would be here," said Pedrie. "It's been nothing but a blessing."