Penn State’s men’s hockey team experienced a historic moment during a recent outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, where they played in front of an announced crowd of 74,575. This event marked the second-largest attendance for a college hockey game in NCAA history, trailing only the record set in 2010 when over 104,000 fans attended a game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium.
As the Nittany Lions walked through the stadium’s tunnel, forward Gavin McKenna felt the unique atmosphere envelop him. Fellow players, including captain Dane Dowiak and forward Aiden Fink, shared similar sentiments during pregame introductions. Dowiak described the experience as “something I will never forget,” while Fink called it “the coolest moment ever.”
Following a narrow 5-4 overtime loss to No. 2 Michigan State, the team expressed deep gratitude to the rink staff and Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft, along with Deputy Athletic Director Vinnie James, for organizing the event. “This event is not easy,” Dowiak noted, acknowledging the extensive behind-the-scenes work that made the game possible.
Record Attendance and Unmatched Atmosphere
The outdoor game, which followed the Penn State women’s hockey team’s victory over Robert Morris, was part of a groundbreaking weekend for the university’s ice hockey program. The atmosphere at Beaver Stadium was unlike anything the players had experienced before. Dowiak reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “There’s nothing like Beaver Stadium. I know that was the coolest environment I will ever play in my life, no matter if I make the NHL or not.”
Head coach Guy Gadowsky also marveled at the experience, describing how he frequently found himself gazing at the packed stadium. “I went to I think every coach on our staff and said, ‘Look behind you,’ because it was just absolutely jammed,” he shared. The sight of blue and white filling the stands created an electric atmosphere, reminiscent of a football game, complete with familiar entrance music and fan-favorite songs like “We Will Rock You” and “Sweet Caroline.”
The successful execution of this event was the result of five months of planning and hard work. From rink workers to volunteers who cleared snow from the bleachers, many contributed to the occasion. Gadowsky expressed his appreciation for the entire Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) department, particularly highlighting the efforts of Associate Athletic Director Herb Combs and Beaver Stadium Facility Coordinator Dave Bittner.
Future Prospects and Enthusiasm for Outdoor Hockey
Despite the disappointment of losing to Michigan State, Gadowsky maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the experience. He felt it was difficult to dwell on the loss given the overwhelming joy of participating in such a unique event. Throughout his post-game press conference, Gadowsky reiterated his gratitude for the experience.
Looking ahead, both Penn State and the NHL have shown interest in hosting an NHL Stadium Series game at Beaver Stadium, potentially following renovations scheduled for completion in 2027. When asked about future outdoor games, Gadowsky expressed eagerness, saying, “I would love to do it again because it’s as amazing a hockey experience as I have ever had.”
As the Nittany Lions reflect on this unforgettable weekend, the impact of the event resonates not only within the hockey community but also among the broader Penn State family. The historic game at Beaver Stadium has set a new standard for college hockey experiences and highlighted the strong support for the sport at the university.
