Penn State hockey names captains, setting table for season start
The Penn State men’s hockey program and head coach Guy Gadowsky have named their captains for the 2023-24 campaign. And, for followers of the Nittany Lions hockey program, they come as little surprise.
Senior defenseman Christian Berger will take on the role of captain for the Nittany Lions this season, following in the footsteps of his older brother Chase. Berger will be the first Nittany Lion to wear the “C” after Paul DeNaples had the honor for the past two seasons.
Senior forwards Xander Lamppa and Christian Sarlo are the alternate captains for the upcoming Penn State hockey campaign.
When Gadowsky was asked about the selection process on Tuesday during the program’s preseason media day, he said that both the players and coaches were very much in sync about the decision. He then went on to talk about the selections.
“It’s not a surprise to anybody that’s been around the program,” Gadowsky said, talking about the captain selection. “The reason why I think all three of them were selected is because it’s very evident they are here for the right reasons. All three of them are committed to the right thing.”
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Penn State captains embrace role
Berger was given the nod to be the team’s captain by both his teammates as well as his coaches. When asked what it meant to him Berger said, “It’s a huge honor.” He continued to say, “I’ve been really fortunate to be around some amazing people since I have been here, some great guys both on and off the ice and I’ve learned a lot.”
Lamppa said that being an alternate is a lot of responsibility, but that he is excited for his new role with the team. He goes on to say, “I don’t want to take it for granted. I’m super excited to be in this position, especially with a big senior class. It’s a great feeling.”
Sarlo credits his teammates when asked about being put in the position of alternate captain.
“We all want to win, and I think we have a good group to do that. Not just me, Lamppa, and Berger, but will all of the seniors we have here. We’re really excited to do that (win), so it’s going to be good.”
The Nittany Lions open their season Saturday against the Long Island University Sharks in East Meadow, New York. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
