As a leader who is prominent on the topic of culture, Head Coach Guy Gadowsky emphasized the importance of bringing athletes into the program that embody this concept, and believes he struck gold this season especially.
Lacing 'em up for the first time in the Blue & White, graduate transfers Tanner Palocsik and Jacques Bouquot have already made notable impacts to the culture of this program on and off the ice.
"When we were recruiting them, [culture] was something we were really aware of, and they had to demonstrate to us that they would fit in," said Gadowsky, "Both of them were right on the mark and were very aware of what makes a team culture work and have been very good that way in a very supportive role."
Both of these athletes paved the way for their former programs serving as 2022-23 season captains, matching up in highly competitive conferences; Palocsik at Dartmouth College (ECAC) and Bouquot at Vermont (Hockey East), now looking to translate this knowledge and leadership to an already well-rounded program in Hockey Valley.
Eager to see how these two veteran skaters would fit into the team chemistry and top-tier level of play, Gadowsky feels "really REALLY good" about the roles these two have stepped into.
Defenseman Tanner Palocsik helped rally the defense through a first frame shutout, and tallied his first career point as a Nittany Lion with the primary assist on freshman Matt DiMarsico's opening goal.
After spending four years up north, Palocsik discussed the pride he felt in getting the opportunity to represent his hometown team, "It felt like coming home for me… it was a pretty obvious choice," said the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania native.
While boasting his Pennsylvania pride, Palocsik expressed his excitement towards competing for his home state in a highly decorated conference. "The high level of skill in this conference is unmatched across college hockey, so especially as a defenseman, it's going to be fun to play against a lot of high-level forwards and get a new experience for myself."
After graduating a highly talented senior class, the coaching staff worked diligently to bring a mixture of veterans and new blood on the attacking lines, aiming to fill a big role with graduate transfer Jacques Bouquot.
Bouquot joins the Nittany Lions on the heels of a record season with the Catamounts, tallying a career-high of six goals and 10 assists, totaling 16 points throughout his time as a captain.
In their come-from-behind victory to open the season, Bouquot contributed to the team's head-strong mentality that led them to victory in the ticking moments of a five-minute Shark penalty kill.
Projecting his expertise on the team brought them through a physical battle against an experienced and hungry Long Island program. "There's going to be some adversity along the way… but we've got to understand that there's going to be moments like that and to stay calm and keep fighting, and that's exactly what we did."
"You can see why he's been a captain everywhere he goes," says Gadowsky, "He doesn't try to do too much, and I'm really impressed with how he fits into what we're trying to do."
The excitement for these veteran additions to the program is evidently shown by the coaching staff, and equally shared throughout the locker room.
Starting his junior campaign out strong, forward Danny Dzhaniyev battled the one-goal deficit both ways, recording two assists in Penn State's opening contest; one on the equalizing goal and the another on the last second power-play goal to seal the victory.
Working alongside Palocsik and Bouquot for the first time in their collegiate curtain call, Dzhaniyev radiated with pride over the new veteran additions and their contributions to the program.
"Those guys are great. They've adapted really well to the locker room and bring a lot of knowledge in, they push us to improve day in and day out," said Dzhaniyev, "They fit in perfectly."
After getting a taste of what victory looks like with this new team and their support from the Roar Zone, Bouquot and Palocsik are "beyond excited" to play in front of a passionate home crowd in a few weeks.
