The first-ever outdoor game at Penn State University was played in front of nearly 75,000 people, and provided the drama expected of two teams each rated in college hockey’s top five. The second-ranked Spartans eventually walked away with a 5-4 overtime victory over the #5 Nittany Lions by way of a goal by Charlie Stramel (MIN 2023, 1st round, 21st overall) at 3:08 of the extra session. However, Stramel’s game-winner did not come before several NHL prospects – including Stramel himself – provided many moments for fans to enjoy.
The fireworks started early, at 2:24 of the first period to be exact, with a goal by undrafted Spartan forward Daniel Russell. Stramel and Phildelphia prospect Porter Martone (PHI 2025, 1st round, 6th overall) were credited with assists on Russell’s goal. Stramel (2G 1A) and Martone (3A) each had 3 points on the day. Martone had 6 points (1G 5A) during the Spartans’ weekend sweep of the Nittany Lions.
Nashville prospect Aiden Fink (NSH 2023, 7th round, 218th overall) responded for Penn State with a goal just :13 into the second period. Fink’s goal was assisted by undrafted forward Dane Dowiak and forward Gavin McKenna (2026 Draft-Eligible). Fink had 2 goals in the second period, while McKenna garnered 3 points on a goal and two assists in the frame. The Fink and McKenna tallies were part of a 5-goal second period (3 by Penn State & 2 by Michigan State), prompting the Spartans to outscore the Nittany Lions in the third to force overtime. With respect to McKenna, the top-ranked North American prospect in this draft is averaging 1.33 points per game, which ranks 11th among NCAA players.