Goaltending has been a positive for Penn State hockey the last two seasons. Despite breaking in two new starting goalies last year, the Nittany Lions found two solid options and spent most of the season rotating between Kevin Reidler and freshman Josh Fleming. Reidler left for the NHL and third stringer Chris McFayden ran out of eligibility, leaving Fleming as the only returning goaltender this season.
The Starter
Josh Fleming
Fleming started only 20 games last year, but his 0.78 goals saved above expected per
60 minutes was the best mark in the Big Ten. He struggled down the stretch in the regular season, including a five-game stretch where he yielded 22 goals, but he turned in a strong performance in the postseason against tough competition.
Fleming is arguably the best returning goaltender in the Big Ten alongside Michigan’s Jack Ivankovic. Michigan and Michigan State are stacked as always, Minnesota figures to improve with a new coach and talented roster, and Wisconsin made the national championship game last year. The conference’s tide is rising compared to last year, and for Penn State, having a strong returning goaltender is a good starting point.
Goalies are not immune to the sophomore slump, and opponents started to find some of Fleming’s weak spots as the season went on. If the defense can find a way to play more cohesively in front of him, it will take a lot of pressure off of Fleming’s shoulders.
The Backups
Ryder Fetterolf
I doubt goaltending starts will be split as evenly as they were last year, but Fetterolf should start five to ten games during the regular season. Penn State has some weaker opponents early in the year before Big Ten play starts, which will give the coaching staff a look at how Fetterolf holds up in NCAA hockey. Best case scenario- he has a freshman run like Fleming did a year ago and gets a decent split of the starts during conference play. Worst case scenario- he struggles and Penn State relies on Fleming against tougher opponents. Health will be key, but Fetterolf will likely be called on to steal a game or two at some point this year.
Crew Petty
Petty put up solid numbers in prep hockey last year, but with two better goaltenders in front of him, he is not likely to see much playing time unless one of the top two gets injured. He is only a freshman, so a lack of playing time this season is not the end of the world, and he will not be forced into a situation he is not ready for. Still, I like his upside for the future.
