Penn State Loses Key Forward Charlie Cerrato for Remainder of Regular Season
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - What was shaping up to be a full-circle moment for Penn State men’s hockey - the reunion of the high-octane “B-T-B Boys” line - won’t materialize this season. Head coach Guy Gadowsky confirmed Tuesday that standout forward Charlie Cerrato will miss the remainder of the regular season due to injury.
The announcement puts a pause on hopes of seeing Cerrato back on the ice with linemates JJ Wiebusch and Matt DiMarsico - the trio that helped fuel Penn State’s historic Frozen Four run last year and had been one of the most dynamic lines in college hockey.
Gadowsky didn’t provide specifics on the injury, but he did leave the door open for a possible return during the NCAA Tournament. For now, though, Cerrato’s absence leaves a noticeable void in both Penn State’s lineup and its locker room.
Let’s not sugarcoat it - this is a tough blow for a Nittany Lions squad currently ranked No. 5 in the nation. Cerrato went down just four minutes into the January 9 game against Minnesota, and it was clear immediately that something wasn’t right.
At the time, he was leading the team in both assists (18) and total points (24), and his production wasn’t just good - it was elite. Nationally, he ranked 14th in scoring, a testament to just how impactful he’s been this season.
But Cerrato’s value goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s been a force in the faceoff circle, winning draws at a 59.7% clip - just a hair under the gold standard 60% mark that separates the good from the great. That kind of consistency gives a team a major edge in puck possession, especially in tight games and special teams situations.
And then there’s the chemistry. The Cerrato-Wiebusch-DiMarsico line wasn’t just productive - it was electric.
Since forming midway through the 2024-25 season, they averaged nearly four points per game, a staggering number that speaks to their synergy and ability to tilt the ice. That trio was a driving force behind Penn State’s deep postseason run, and the hope was that they’d pick up right where they left off.
Instead, it’s been a next-man-up scenario. Freshman Reese Laubach has stepped in to center the line with Wiebusch and DiMarsico, and while the group has held its own, there’s no question that Cerrato’s absence changes the dynamic. He’s not just a playmaker - he’s a stabilizer, a tone-setter, and a leader.
Now, with a massive weekend on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The Nittany Lions are set to host No. 2 Michigan State on Friday night at Pegula Ice Arena, followed by Saturday’s outdoor showdown at Beaver Stadium - a marquee event that’s been circled on the calendar for months.
Penn State’s depth will be tested, and so will its resilience. Cerrato may be sidelined for now, but the stakes are only getting higher. If the Nittany Lions want to keep their national title hopes alive, they’ll need to rally - and fast.