Penn State Men’s Ice Hockey Opens Season With Program-Record NHL Draft Picks
When the Penn State men’s ice hockey team opens its 2026–27 season on the road against UConn, the Nittany Lions will feature ten NHL draft picks on their 25-player roster, setting a new program record. That total surpasses last year’s previous high of eight selections. Head coach Guy Gadowsky enters the new campaign looking to replace top-six production from departures like Gavin McKenna and Matt DiMarsico, leaning instead on a deeper, more balanced lineup.
Roster Overhaul and Scoring by Committee
The Nittany Lions enter the season after a notable roster turnover that has lowered external expectations slightly following last year’s run. Penn State starts the season ranked No. 17 in the USCHO Division I Men’s Poll, facing an uphill path in a tough Big Ten conference that features top-ranked programs like Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. To counter the loss of high-octane scoring threats, Gadowsky plans to distribute minutes and scoring opportunities across all four lines rather than relying heavily on two top units.
We might get back to a little bit more high-tempo, everybody deeper than last year,
Gadowsky said. You’re going to see scoring by committee.
To bolster the attack, Penn State added former Maine forward Justin Poirier, who scored 18 goals and recorded 11 assists as a freshman. Poirier joins returners including senior captains Dane Dowiak and Reese Laubach, alongside forwards Shea Van Olm and Luke Misa. Center Andrew Kuzma also returns to the roster after missing the previous season to undergo open-heart surgery and spending time in the Ontario Hockey League.
Josh Fleming Provides Goaltending Strength Amid Defensive Losses
While the forward group gains reinforcements, the defense remains the primary question mark for the Nittany Lions following heavy personnel losses. Jackson Smith provides a steady anchor on the blue line, having earned preseason All-Big Ten second-team honors after a strong freshman campaign.
Behind the defense, goaltending stands as a major strength. Josh Fleming returns after a standout freshman season where he posted a 10-7-2 record, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage while earning Mike Richter Award finalist recognition. Fleming is joined by Ryder Fetterolf, a fourth-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes and the CHL and OHL Goaltender of the Year with the Ottawa 67’s.
Data-Driven Preparation for the Season Opener
Off the ice, Penn State has refined its player evaluation and game preparation by integrating advanced analytics. Derek Avery joined the program this offseason as the director of analytics and operations, working alongside the coaching staff to merge traditional scouting with data models.
I don’t think the eye test is everything,
Gadowsky said. If you’re going to maximize your evaluation, you really do need both.
That data-driven approach guides the team into its opening matchup against UConn. The Huskies enter the contest with high expectations following an opening-round appearance in the previous NCAA Tournament, setting up a competitive test for Penn State’s new-look roster in Storrs.
Who Is the Highest-Profile Addition to the Penn State Forward Group?
Who is the highest-profile addition to the Penn State forward group?
Justin Poirier joins the Nittany Lions after scoring 18 goals as a freshman at Maine. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.
How many NHL draft picks are on the 2026–27 Penn State roster?
Ten of the team’s 25 players have been drafted by NHL organizations, establishing a new program record that beats out the previous mark of eight.
What recognition did goaltender Josh Fleming receive last season?
Fleming earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition, set a program single-season save percentage mark at .924, and finished as a finalist for the Mike Richter Award.
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