Penn State Hockey Delivers an Unforgettable Moment at Beaver Stadium, Despite OT Loss to Michigan State
STATE COLLEGE - For a few electric hours on a frigid Saturday afternoon, Beaver Stadium wasn’t about touchdowns or tailgates. It was about hockey - and not just any hockey, but a marquee matchup between No.
5 Penn State and No. 2 Michigan State that turned one of college football’s most iconic venues into a snow-framed cathedral of college hockey.
The moment that brought 74,575 fans to their feet came in the third period. With the game tied 3-3, Penn State’s Shea Van Olm stripped the puck from Michigan State’s Maxim Štrbák at center ice, accelerated into open ice, and wired a shot from the high slot into the top corner. It was the Nittany Lions’ first lead of the game, and Beaver Stadium erupted like it was a White Out Saturday in September.
“Kernkraft 400” - better known to fans as “Zombie Nation” - blared through the stadium speakers, white pom-poms shook like snowflakes in a blizzard, and chants of “We Are Penn State” echoed across the stands. It was a surreal moment, the kind that makes you pause and realize you're witnessing something historic.
But Michigan State wasn’t rattled. Just over three minutes later, Spartans defenseman Matt Basgall answered with a wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic and past Penn State goalie Kevin Reidler, tying the game once again.
The rest of regulation was a tense, physical battle - a showcase of grit and resilience from both sides. But in 3-on-3 overtime, Michigan State’s Charlie Stramel completed his hat trick, burying the game-winner and silencing the once-roaring crowd. The Spartans walked away with a 5-4 OT win, completing a weekend sweep after a 6-3 victory on Friday night.
For Penn State, the result stung. But the bigger story was the spectacle itself - a milestone moment for a program that, not long ago, was still a club team.
Fifteen years ago, Penn State hockey wasn’t even on the NCAA map. Fast forward to now: they’ve reached their first Frozen Four, landed the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in Gavin McKenna, and hosted one of the most ambitious outdoor games in college hockey history. That’s not just growth - that’s a full-blown arrival.
The atmosphere Saturday was a testament to the program’s rise. Football players, including new head coach Matt Campbell, mingled in the crowd.
The men’s lacrosse team sprinted through the snow to toss T-shirts into the stands. And despite the 16-degree temperatures, the lower bowl of the under-renovation stadium was packed and buzzing from start to finish.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky, who’s been at the helm since the varsity program’s inception, couldn’t help but reflect on the journey.
“It’s humbling. It’s so incredible to be part of an institution that supports something like this so well,” Gadowsky said postgame.
“It was just an amazing atmosphere. So grateful for Penn State, for so many of the departments that it took to make this happen, and really sorry that we didn’t win.
But none of us, the players especially, will ever forget this experience.”
Gadowsky recalled a conversation from 15 years ago with Terry Pegula - the key donor whose vision and financial backing made Penn State hockey possible. Pegula had told him, “Someday we’re going to have top-five teams playing at Penn State.” Gadowsky admitted he wasn’t sure Pegula imagined 75,000 fans braving the cold to watch it happen, but said, “I know he’s very proud.”
And the talent on the ice backed up the hype. McKenna, the freshman phenom, notched three points - a goal and two assists - and continued to show why scouts have been buzzing about him for years.
His goal, a laser from the slot, was his 11th of the season. He’s not just living up to expectations - he’s redefining them.
Junior Aiden Fink, one of the most prolific scorers in program history, got the Lions on the board after an early Michigan State goal. Fink, who missed time earlier this season with a broken thumb, looked more like his old self, adding a second goal late in the second period off a slick feed from McKenna. Those were his first two Big Ten goals of the season, and they couldn’t have come on a bigger stage.
“It’s been pretty unbelievable. I’ll forever be grateful for what we’ve got here at Penn State,” McKenna said.
“This game, it was special. Just to be a part of this community at Penn State - I’m forever a Penn Stater, and that was an amazing time.”
Still, the sweep at the hands of Michigan State was a reminder that there’s work left to do. The Lions are now 0-4 against the Spartans this season, and the pain was visible.
After the overtime goal, players dropped to a knee, some motionless. Reidler slammed his stick in frustration.
The contrast was stark as Michigan State celebrated at center ice.
Gadowsky compared the feeling to last season’s outdoor overtime loss to Notre Dame at Wrigley Field - a gut-punch moment that eventually fueled a turnaround run to the NCAA Tournament and Frozen Four.
“I think that we can use the experience to propel us for great things to come,” Gadowsky said.
Right now, Penn State sits in third place in the Big Ten, in strong position to host a Big Ten Tournament series and likely punch another ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The loss doesn’t change that - and neither does it diminish the momentum this program continues to build.
If Saturday was any indication, Penn State hockey isn’t just growing. It’s thriving.
“There’s nothing like playing in Beaver Stadium. I know that now,” said team captain Dane Dowiak.
“That was the coolest environment I will ever play in in my life, no matter if I make the NHL or not. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, ever witnessed, and I just couldn’t be prouder to be a Penn Stater and get that opportunity.”