The Nittany Lions’ second forward line was responsible for all but one of their six goals in the 6-3 season-opening victory.

DiMarsico collected three of the Nittany Lions’ eleven combined points from that line. Sophomore center Charlie Cerrato led the stat sheet with five points, while sophomore winger JJ Wiebusch rounded out the trio. 

The Sun Devils surrendered the first two goals to Penn State, but responded with three unanswered, including two in a span of 44 seconds in the second period. Penn State, however, was unfazed by this brief comeback. 

“We were up 2-0, then gave up three straight, and to see the group come together like that this early in the year — I’m really proud of the guys,” Cerrato said.

It was the first collegiate game for freshman forward and hockey’s top prospect Gavin McKenna, who impressed both on and off the puck.

“I thought [the game] was good. Our team got a bit away from it in the second period, but for us to pull through the third, I thought it was a great team game,” McKenna said. A lot of guys stepped up, and that was a lot of fun for my college hockey debut.”

These two teams played in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,270 at Mullett Arena, marking the 47th consecutive student-ticket sellout. 

“[The crowd] was good,” McKenna said. “I heard the boos when I got to touch the puck, and that was fun. Playing in a crowd like that, it’s easy to get up for a game like this.” 

Arizona State head coach Greg Powers praised McKenna despite the loss. 

“Gavin McKenna is special. It was his first college game, and if he touches the puck in the ozone, you’re holding your breath. He’s going to get better every game,” said Arizona State head coach Greg Powers.

Penalties played a major role, with referees handing out 17 total, nine to Penn State and eight to Arizona State.

“Both teams had some young guys make mistakes,” Powers said. “Certainly, we need more out of our older guys. They had a second line that ate us for lunch — their vets stepped up in big moments, and we need more from ours if we’re going to beat this team.”

The Sun Devils scored one of their three goals on the power play courtesy of Sean McGurn, who tied the game at two at the 14:35 mark of the second period. Freshman forward Samuel Alfano and sophomore forward Logan Morrell tallied the other two goals. 

Before the game, Arizona State honored former Sun Devil and current Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord by retiring his number, 35. Daccord, the first player from Arizona State to reach the NHL, was in attendance as his number was raised to the rafters.

“I grew up wanting to be part of these rich traditions,” Daccord said. “Coach [Powers] said, ‘If you come here, you can be that tradition.’ And it’s the mantra for a reason, it’s going to stand forever.”

Powers has witnessed Daccord’s journey from the start of his collegiate career, even before the Sun Devils’ program transitioned to the NCAA.

“It was awesome to see him and his family here. He’s the greatest ambassador for our program you could ask for. He loves this place, he loves this institution, and I’m happy they got to come back and see what he helped build,” Powers said. 

Arizona State’s starting goaltender, Connor Hasley, is slated to start Saturday’s game, Powers confirmed, after a strong performance despite the scoreline. Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky has yet to announce his starter. 

“We’ve got a hell of a team, and there’s so much promise,” Powers said. “Tonight didn’t go the way we wanted, but the experience these young guys got is invaluable. We’ll learn from it, and we’ll be a lot better tomorrow.”