As the Nittany Lions sit near the top of the B1G standings heading into the weekend, it is hard analyzing all the factors behind their success.
However, junior forward Christian Sarlo has found his groove and become comfortable with his role in a successful Penn State hockey lineup.
Since Sarlo netted his first goal of the season on Nov. 10, in a 4-2 win over then No. 1 Minnesota, the forward has gotten into a rhythm, recording seven points in the past six games.
A big part of the success thus far surrounding Sarlo and his teammates is buying into the culture that head coach Guy Gadowsky wants in his hockey team.
"We know how important it is for our team's success when everyone's bought into the culture," Sarlo said. "So, just trying to help do our part in that honestly, and it's been working out pretty well."
The results that spectators see on the ice come from countless hours spent together in the weight room and practice facilities preparing every week for their opponent.
Sarlo is being rewarded on and off the ice, racking up stats, getting high praise from coaches and teammates, and ultimately helping lead Penn State to victory.
Gadowsky is thrilled with how Sarlo and junior forward Xander Lamppa have played on their respective line.
"Those two Lamppa and Sarlo, if you ask anyone right now who plays to our identity the best, it's probably those two guys, at least at forward," Gadowsky said.
While it takes time to prepare physically for the B1G hockey season, there needs to be more attention to mental preparation.
Skating fast is essential, but playing smart hockey is just as if not more important.
Junior goalie Liam Souliere mentions that Sarlo and his linemates have a collectively high hockey IQ.
"Often people think playing fast just means with your feet, but when you play fast hockey with your brain, you can do things others can't, and I think those guys have been having success because of that," Souliere said.
The praise for Sarlo's game doesn't end there.
Anybody in the Penn State locker room will mention how hard he works to improve himself and the team.
Sarlo talks a lot about his dedication to the weight room and practice facilities, but his teammates are witnesses if you don't believe him.
Players in different roles understand his work ethic, including sophomore defenseman Simon Mack.
"Christian [Sarlo] has been unbelievable as of late, and it's no surprise for us because we see how hard he works," Mack said. "He pays attention to detail, on and off the ice. It's easy to see why he's succeeding, and I couldn't be happier for him."
While working hard, Sarlo is happy to have had a quick break before resuming B1G action.
After Penn State's sweep of Alaska Fairbanks, Sarlo, and his teammates had a few days off to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
"It was a nice little refresh and something nice to be able to do before we're here for a couple more weeks of intense games," Sarlo said.
However, that break is over, and it is once again time for the Nittany Lions to take the ice at home this week, hosting No. 17 Ohio State.
