Penn State hockey has started 0-4 for the second time in program history and the first time since the shortened 2020-21 season with an embarrassing 5-2 loss to Robert Morris. The Colonials had not held a lead all season prior to tonight’s game but never trailed against Penn State.
First Period
Just 20 seconds into the game, Robert Morris’ Patrick Johnson blocked a Jackson Smith shot at the point, raced the other way on a breakaway, and put home a wrist shot blocker side high past Ryder Fetterolf. Robert Morris took
a 1-0 lead almost immediately.
The goal seemed to take the wind out of the team’s sails, and Penn State devolved into the undisciplined slop fest we have seen since the beginning of last year. The Nittany Lions took back-to-back penalties shortly after the opening goal and while the PK killed off both of them, the offense could not establish a rhythm after the game returned to 5-on-5. A neutral zone turnover by Jackson Smith led to a 3-on-1 counterattack by RMU, and a brilliant cross-ice pass by Brennan Faulkner led to a tap in goal for Michael Felsing.
Kaden Pitre was called for head contact in the last minute of the period, and after a one-timer by Ryan MacPherson was stopped by Fetterolf, George Krotiris was uncontested at the doorstep to put home the rebound and a 3-0 Colonials lead at the first intermission.
Second Period
Penn State pressured heavily in the second period but could not crack Lucas Massie until Justin Poirier laced home a backhand shot with just over five minutes left in the period:
Despite 19 shots on goal from the Nittany Lions, Poirier’s goal was the only tally in the second period. Penn State had a ton of good looks and four power play chances, but Lucas Massie was able to get into a good rhythm in net. Robert Morris took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.
Third Period
Five minutes into the third period, Reese Laubach was tripped going to the net to put Penn State on the power play. Justin Poirier wasted no time making Robert Morris pay, as he ripped home a wrist shot that went bar-down and in:
Penn State got two grade-A looks, but Marco Mignosa fanned on a shot with an open net and Justin Larose could not convert on a backhand shot in the slot.
With three minutes left in regulation, George Krotiris scored his second goal of the night on an innocent shot from the goal line that looked very stoppable for Ryder Fetterolf. Down two goals, Penn State pulled Fetterolf for the extra skater, but Jackson Reineke iced the game for a stunning 5-2 win for the Colonials.
Scoring Summary
First Period
- RMU: Patrick Johnson (2)- Unassisted- 5v5- 0:20
- RMU: Michael Felsing (1)- Brennan Faulkner (1)- 5v5- 16:36
- RMU: George Krotiris (2)- Ryan MacPherson (1), Gabriel Lunn (1)- PP- 19:35
Second Period
- PSU: Justin Poirier (1)- Justin Larose (2), Caeden Herrington (1)- 5v5- 14:31
Third Period
- PSU: Justin Poirier (2)- Jackson Smith (3), Reese Laubach (1)- PP- 4:53
- RMU: George Krotiris (3)- Luke van Why (1), Gabriel Lunn (2)- 5v5- 16:58
- RMU: Jackson Reineke (1)- Unassisted- EN- 18:48
Shots By Period
- RMU: 15-6-11-32
- PSU: 6-19-10-35
Random Observations
- Frustration- If I’m being completely honest, this team has not been fun to watch since the spring of 2025. They make way too many self-inflicted mistakes and the coaching staff has not done anything to get it under control. I enjoy watching high-flying offensive hockey, but not at the expense of disciplined play. Four penalties in the first period is unacceptable.
- Goaltending- Ryder Fetterolf let in a weak goal late in the third period that blew any momentum Penn State had left. But he was left out to dry by atrocious defense again. I cannot blame him when the entire team showed up completely unprepared to play.
- Embarrassment- Robert Morris had not held a lead in any of its first four games. The Colonials had scored five goals in their first four games and scored five tonight. Penn State looked weak, unprepared, and checked out for pretty much all 60 minutes on home ice. I heard a few boos in the crowd, in a half-empty Pegula Ice Arena.
- Uncertainty- There have been a few times in the Gadowsky era that I have questioned whether or not he has reached the ceiling. I don’t think that is in doubt any longer. The Frozen Four is as far as he can take us. And as fondly as we remember it, Penn State was exceptionally lucky to get there. It is unlikely to ever repeat. And now the floor is crashing out after an 0-4 start and this looking like the worst Penn State hockey team since 2013-14. I really don’t want to use the F word just yet (no, not that one), but the glaring issues with the program are becoming impossible to ignore. A coaching change is inevitable if this is the product on the ice we see for 32 more games. There is too much talent for them to be this bad.
What’s Next
Penn State will host Canisius this Friday (7pm) and Saturday (5pm) at Pegula Ice Arena.
