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Penn State Men's Hockey Earns First Win of Season With 5-1 Victory Over Canisius

Penn State Men's Hockey Earns First Win of Season With 5-1 Victory Over Canisius

By: Landyn Empet | SportzWire | October 24, 2026 | Photo courtesy Landyn Empet

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – After a difficult start to the 2026-27 season, Penn State men's hockey finally found its way into the win column Friday night, defeating Canisius 5-1 at Pegula Ice Arena.

The Nittany Lions entered Friday's matchup with an 0-4 record, looking to turn things around in front of their home crowd. With five goals, 44 shots on net and a strong performance from goaltender Joshua Fleming, Penn State gave its fans plenty to celebrate.

Dane Dowiak got things started early for Penn State, finding the back of the net just 2:19 into the opening period. Justin Larose and Justin Poirier were credited with assists, giving the Nittany Lions an early 1-0 lead.

Canisius responded early in the second period when Ben Brunelle scored just 1:18 into the frame, tying the game at one. However, Penn State wasted no time taking back control.

Andrew Kuzma scored less than two minutes later, with assists from Kale Dach and Jackson Smith, to put Penn State back up 2-1. Dowiak followed with his second goal of the night at the 12:53 mark, scoring on the power play to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Nittany Lions continued to control the game offensively, outshooting Canisius 44-24. Penn State also dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 54 of 86 draws.

Penn State carried its two-goal advantage into the third period before Kuzma added an empty-net goal with 2:17 remaining. Smith capped off the night with a goal in the final five seconds, securing the 5-1 victory.

Dowiak and Kuzma each finished with two goals, while Smith contributed a goal and two assists. Dach also recorded two assists.

Fleming played an important role in the victory, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced. His performance helped Penn State keep Canisius from building momentum after its second-period goal.

For a Penn State team that struggled through its opening four games, Friday's performance was an encouraging sign. The Nittany Lions showed what their offense is capable of when they generate scoring opportunities and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Perhaps more importantly, the win came on home ice in front of over 6,000 fans at Pegula Ice Arena, giving the team its first victory of the season and something to build on.

Can Penn State Keep the Momentum Going?

While Friday night's victory was a step in the right direction, the bigger question is whether Penn State can carry this momentum into Saturday's rematch against Canisius.

The Nittany Lions now sit at 1-4 on the season, and another win would give them their first winning streak of the year.

Friday's five-goal performance showed plenty of offensive potential, but Penn State will need to continue playing with the same energy and discipline if it hopes to put its early-season struggles behind it.

One victory does not erase an 0-4 start, but it could be the turning point Penn State has been searching for.

With another opportunity on home ice Saturday, the Nittany Lions will look to prove that Friday's performance was more than just one good night.