Oct. 9, 2015
-
By Jack Milewski, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Chemistry is key for any team, especially hockey. Though it is a fast moving game, there is still a need for communication during the whole game. This is true for the coaches on the bench, the forwards and especially the defensive corps. For the Penn State women's hockey team, like all teams, communication is a vital component to their success and something they preach. For the defense, a group that returns its entire lineup from last year, the communication aspect is already there and the cohesive group is poised to help Penn State in a big way this season.
Penn State is in the beginning of its fourth season as a Division I program and coming of its best season as a program. There are high hopes for the Nittany Lions this year, in large part due to the fact that they return 23 members from last season. As mentioned, the defensive corps remains fully intact and the Nittany Lions have added a contributor in freshman Kelsey Crow.
"She has done a fabulous job. She is incredibly poised, jumps up into the play. What I am most proud of is the preparation. She is a consummate pro when it comes to working hard in the week and preparing for the weekend," said head coach Josh Brandwene.
According to Brandwene, Crow has fit in seamlessly with the already tried and true group, a factor that is big for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Obviously goals are what show up on the stat sheet when it comes to hockey games, but when a team can shut down another defensively, that is more crucial, if not more than scoring goals. With the Nittany Lion defense returning all six members from last year, it makes that aspect of the team one that Brandwene has to worry less about.
Click here to read more on the GoPSUsports.com All-Sports Blog.