The
Kelsey's Orillia North Central Minor Midget Predators were on the road this past
Halloween weekend to visit the home of the Penn State Nittany
Lions.
This road trip wasn't for
points in the standings or placement in a tournament, the purpose of this excursion was to educate the boys on some of
the many different options in hockey after their minor hockey careers come to a
close.
Penn State is an NCAA division 1 school whose hockey program is new to the D1 level (2013). With the generous donation of $102 million from alumnus Terry Pegula their facilities are second to none. The Predators players, parents and coaches toured both the impressive hockey facilities and the expansive campus.
On Friday after arrival, the parents, players and coaches were able to see the Penn State Nittany Lions Hockey team in action as they took on the visiting St Lawrence Saints. The game was fast and exciting and the fans were passionate and boisterous and made for an entertaining evening.
Saturday morning was tour time and the group learned firsthand how much acreage Penn State occupies. Being a football game day it quickly became apparent that Penn State loves it football as roads were blocked off and filled with fans in blue and white (Penn State colours sorry Leaf fans). The Predators group took in the football game and watched the Nittany Lions defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini by a score of 39-0 to the delight of most of the fans in the 107,000 seat stadium.
The players took to the ice Sunday morning for a skate at the Pegula Ice arena after an extensive tour of the facility with too many highlights to list.
The Predators players, parents and coaches would like to thank Chet and Jason from College Sports Experience for answering all questions that were put forth to them and providing the Predators group with a trip that will not soon be forgotten.
The Kelsey's Orillia North Central Predators are back in action this Thursday Nov. 5th at 7:30pm at the MASK in Rama when they take on the league leading York Simcoe Express.
Written by Doug Sweeney