When stuffing the car with bulky containers and large storage bags the night before taking the road for dorm move-ins, this preparation is universally identical for most anxious college freshmen. But for the class of 2024, this routine was one that differed from other years… where the items on the top of their packing lists consisted of face masks and hand sanitizer.
Upon arriving on campus in the fall of 2020, the resilient Penn State hockey class of 2024 had to navigate all the normal 'firsts' that inexperienced college freshmen do in their rookie year, except under unprecedented circumstances in the peak of a global pandemic.
Attempting to navigate a career as a division I student-athlete, the locker room culture and team leaders often bridge the gap to make for a seamless transition, but amidst a world of remote learning and a socially distanced locker room, this became near impossible.
Given the state of the world at the time, the team was lucky enough to even have a season. With that, came unforeseen circumstances that coaches and players alike had to navigate. Each class had their own practices and ice time, and were only allowed one coach on the ice with them, making it extremely difficult to develop a locker room culture and generate team synergy.
During the trying times of the pandemic, head coach Guy Gadowsky exclaimed how his team struggled producing on the ice, because of what was stripped of them off of the ice in terms of team development. As for this group of seven freshmen, they were entirely isolated while trying to navigate a career in the competitive atmosphere of collegiate hockey.
"There were a lot of ups and downs with that group, because they had no direction, no examples of leadership to note… But they came out of that situation to be unbelievable individuals. They kill it in the classroom, they've been unbelievably positive role models and leaders, and they are absolutely the example of when we talk about quality individuals, and a quality culture," said Gadowsky, beaming with pride.
As a class, these seven individuals developed into excellent leaders, teammates and students, due to the adversity they faced in such a unique situation. They've been credited to not only changing the program on the ice, but cultivating the 'Penn State identity' within the locker room, to be passed on through the next generations of Penn State hockey players.
In just two years, this group aided in bringing a 10-win Nittany Lion team to Penn State's winningest team since the 2018-19 season, rewarded with a trip to the regional final game of the NCAA tournament to close out the 2022-23 season.
Despite their year of uncommon 'firsts', this senior class is now preparing for their year of 'lasts'. With the addition of goaltender Doug Dorr prior to the 2021-22 season and two graduate transfers this season in Jacques Bouquot and Tanner Palocsik, these 10 athletes will suit up in their home white's one last time for senior weekend in Hockey Valley.
Senior defenseman Christian Berger was selected as the 2023-24 team captain, alongside alternate captains Xander Lamppa and Christian Sarlo. Despite these three making the headlines, Gadowsky exclaimed how every member of this senior class embodies the resilience, determination and leadership qualities that fuel the identity and culture of Penn State hockey.
"Our main goal as a leadership group has been to leave this place better than how we found it… obviously we had a unique transition, but we're really prioritizing maintaining the culture and making sure that it continues when we leave," exclaimed Sarlo.
Knowing the importance of a powerful team culture, and more importantly what can happen without it, this senior class has been extra attentive to the underclassmen and have served as excellent role models and leaders to the incoming classes.
"From the first year, we knew they'd never take the concept of peer leadership for granted ever again, it's so important. And because they went through that, they really understand it… And that's the legacy they're going to leave, the absolute understanding and embodiment of peer leadership," emphasized Gadowsky.
Forward Reese Laubach has found immediate success in his first year as a Nittany Lion, and credits that level of success to this group of seniors.
"They've been so great, especially for our freshman class. They took us under their wing the second we got to campus in the summer and really made our transition so much easier. Now, all five of us freshmen love it here, and that's entirely credited to them," said Laubach.
Often described by players and fans alike, Pegula Ice Arena has been credited as the greatest atmosphere in college hockey. Known for its rowdy and passionate fanbase, the Hockey Valley community has rallied around these Nittany Lions to create an atmosphere that Penn State players thrive off and opposing players dread.
Fueled by the passion of Penn State's student section, the Roar Zone, senior goaltender Liam Souliére has been one of the main recipients of all their praise. Souliére entered his senior season on the heels of his record-breaking 2022-23 campaign, where he took the Nittany Lions to their first NCAA tournament appearance since the 2017-18 season.
As he prepares for his curtain call at Pegula, Souliére was asked to describe what Penn State means to him, to which he answered, "A dream come true."
"If my hockey career ended today for some freak reason, I'd be okay with it, because that means I get to go out as a Penn Stater… Pegula is the best place in the world, there's nothing better," said a teary-eyed Souliére.
Exclaiming their gratitude and excitement to take the ice together one last time as a senior class at Pegula. Despite their contributions to record seasons in Happy Valley, this senior class will be remembered for their resilience, passion, leadership and dedication to the Penn State hockey program.
The Nittany Lions welcome the Wisconsin Badgers for their final home series of the 2023-24 season. The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. on Friday night for the annual country night at Pegula, followed by a 6 p.m. puck drop on Saturday's senior night competition.
