The 2025-26 Penn State men’s hockey team will be led by a pair of veterans.
On Tuesday, the team announced junior forward Dane Dowiak will serve as the team captain, with senior defenseman Jarod Crespo serving as the alternate.
Dowiak becomes the 12th team captain in the team’s brief history with varsity status, and he’s just the second junior to earn the honor.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named captain of this team. I’ve had the privilege of learning from so many great leaders over the years, and I’m thankful for the example they set,” Dowiak said in a release from the university. “I wouldn’t be in this position without the complete support of my teammates, along with the coaches and our entire staff who present us with opportunities to succeed every day. I’m grateful for this team and I’m truly thankful for their trust in me. I’m proud to wear the Penn State sweater each day and I’m excited for the upcoming season. We are!”
Dowiak recorded 12 goals and eight assists across 41 games last season, adding 40 blocks. He was named the Allentown Regional Most Outstanding Player after scoring two goals against No. 4 Maine and one against No. 7 UConn, helping send the team to the Frozen Four.
Crespo appeared in 36 games last season and tallied 57 blocked shots, third most on the team, along with two goals and five assists. He holds the most career games played among active Nittany Lions, bringing a wealth of experience to a relatively young squad.
Penn State’s season will begin on the road with a pair of games at Arizona State on Oct. 3 and 4. The Nittany Lions will begin the season as the No. 5 team nationally, per the preseason USCHO poll.
