Penn State Hockey Players Rave About Beaver Stadium Experience

Despite overtime loss, Nittany Lions call outdoor game the "coolest moment ever"

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Penn State's men's hockey team played an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State, drawing a crowd of over 74,000 fans - the second-largest crowd for a college hockey game in NCAA history. Despite losing 5-4 in overtime, the Nittany Lions players and coaches were overwhelmed by the incredible atmosphere and experience of playing in the iconic football stadium.

Why it matters

The outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium was a historic event for Penn State, showcasing the university's ability to host large-scale sporting events outside of just football. The game highlighted the passion of Penn State's hockey fanbase and the school's commitment to growing its hockey program.

The details

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna said the moment he walked through the tunnel and onto the ice at Beaver Stadium was when it hit him how special the environment was. Hockey captain Dane Dowiak and forward Aiden Fink both called it the "coolest moment ever" during pregame introductions. Despite the heartbreaking overtime loss, the Nittany Lions were grateful to the staff who worked tirelessly to organize the event, which included shoveling snow off the bleachers. Head coach Guy Gadowsky was in awe of the 74,575 fans who packed the stadium, saying he constantly had to remind himself it was a hockey game and not a football game.

  • Penn State hosted the outdoor hockey game on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The game was part of an historic first weekend of outdoor hockey at Beaver Stadium, with the Penn State women's team playing on Friday.

The players

Gavin McKenna

A Penn State forward who said the moment he walked through the tunnel and onto the ice at Beaver Stadium was when he realized how special the environment was.

Dane Dowiak

The Penn State hockey team captain who called the game at Beaver Stadium the "coolest moment ever" during pregame introductions.

Aiden Fink

A Penn State forward who also called the game at Beaver Stadium the "coolest moment ever" during pregame introductions.

Guy Gadowsky

The head coach of the Penn State men's hockey team, who was in awe of the 74,575 fans who packed Beaver Stadium and constantly had to remind himself it was a hockey game and not a football game.

Pat Kraft

The Penn State Athletic Director who helped organize the outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's nothing like Beaver Stadium. I know that was the coolest environment I will ever play in my life, no matter if I make the NHL or not. That was the coolest thing I've ever seen, ever witnessed. And I just couldn't be prouder to be a Penn Stater and get that opportunity.”

— Dane Dowiak, Penn State hockey captain (SI.com)

“It was the coolest moment ever.”

— Aiden Fink, Penn State forward (SI.com)

“I went to I think every coach on our staff, and said, 'Look behind you,' because it was just absolutely jammed. And people were into it. I couldn't believe it was a hockey game, I really couldn't. It just blew me away. And I constantly, numerous times every period, would just look around at the atmosphere and just take it in. It's very, very humbling that I get to be a part of something like this.”

— Guy Gadowsky, Penn State hockey head coach (SI.com)

What’s next

Penn State and the NHL have both expressed interest in hosting an NHL Stadium Series game at Beaver Stadium, likely after the stadium's renovation is complete in 2027.

The takeaway

The outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium showcased Penn State's ability to host large-scale sporting events and the passion of its hockey fanbase. Despite the overtime loss, the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players and coaches that they will never forget.