Penn State women’s hockey rolled past RIT 7-1 on Wednesday night to wrap up an undefeated 10-0 record at Pegula Ice Arena as the Nittany Lions continue to march forward during a historic year.
The win improved Penn State’s record to 13-1-2 on the year, by and far the best season in the program’s history and under fourth-year head coach Jeff Kampersal’s steady watch.
“I think it’s the players that do the work,” Kampersal said after Wednesday’s win. “I’ve done the least compared to the first three years. It is nice. You know, usually the team that shows up with the best players usually wins and we have some of those players now. And and they’re producing for us.”
And they have produced in volume, Penn State finishes the home slate having outscored opponents 32-10 over the 10 game schedule. The Nittany Lions adding on to Pegula Ice Arena’s growing reputation of a venue where goals will be scored, be it the men’s or women’s team taking the ice.
Penn State will take to the road for four-straight games to close out the regular season before taking part in the CHA Tournament, the Nittany Lions the favorite to win that tournament and the automatic bid that would come with it to the NCAA Tournament. In the process Penn State is set to claim its first CHA regular season title.
Goals, wins, title, tournaments. History.
There is a duality of emotions that comes with this though. Penn State has done this in front of no fans, no students, nothing but a few parents who have made their way into the building.
For the likes of Kampersal, there is far more good than bad that comes with this. He will take the winning, he will take the regular season titles and the postseason hopes. But of course he hopes that this success will continue, turning the season nobody saw into the season fans can look forward to in 2021 and beyond.
“I know there’s not people watching [in person] but I know people are paying attention,” Kampersal added. “And I’m proud that they’re being recognized for for their efforts. […] It’s definitely not the same (without fans) but at the same time, we’re just grateful to play and you never know what’s gonna tomorrow is gonna bring. We’re grateful to play hockey. And hopefully they come back next fall.”
That is the challenge Kampersal faces, like any coach enjoying success. What you did this year only lasts for this year. Fans will want more, and fair or not, that’s just how the cookie crumbles. But as the Nittany Lions score goals and look far more the program Terry Pegula envisioned, not one bogged down in off-ice issues and headlines, there’s no reason to think fans won’t be able to see even more goals and wins in the years to come.
As Kampersal notes, though, hype and excitement can put people in seats, but they come to see you deliver.
“No one is interested in something you didn’t do,” he quipped.
For now though, there’s work left to be done and history that will continue to be written. Penn State can worry about next year, next year.
