Back to School

School's back in full force, and so is the Collegian (which can apparently be a mixed bag, as we've seen). And the Icers aren't wasting any time either.

After receiving about three emails throughout the summer from [Guy] Gadowsky, the team will meet with their coach for the first time this semester [Monday] to discuss the new coaching aspects and systems they would like to install.

That initial meeting was followed by what's been described as both an "up-tempo" and an "icebreaker" practice Tuesday. Mark Horgas watched it and had the following observations via Twitter.

As mentioned by Horgas and confirmed by official reports, 34 skaters and four goalies took part. A quick tally of Icers with remaining eligibility plus known recruits comes out to 37 and four, lending some possible credibility to the rumors that a couple of Icers have withdrawn from consideration for this year's team - because, really, as competitive as tryouts are expected to be, who's going to skip even an optional session?

Further reaction from Gadowsky and Daleys Paul and Josh was scooped up by Steve Penstone, over on View From the Booth. That, and a quick survey of Icers on Twitter shows none of the colorfulness or complaining exhibited by the football team when their practices started (remember, "icebreaker"), but give new defenseman Steve Edgeworth credit for tweet of the day.

First day of pracy in the books. Felt like Lidstrom out there minus the gap control, skating ability, and hockey sense. #PennStateHockey

Meanwhile, on the women's side of things, the team held a "captain's practice" Tuesday. But more importantly to the big picture, College Hockey America took a site visit at PSU as part of the application process. Niagara AD Ed McLaughlin was part of the CHA contingent and gave us some Twitter updates.

Arrived in State College PA 4 site visit w/ #PennState Women's hockey. Mtg w/staff and #CHA commish #BobDeGregorio tmrw.

Gr8 day of mtgs w/ #PennState folks, including AD #TimCurley and President #GrahamSpanier. They r getting ready for Div. I hockey.

We felt the #earthquake while mtg w/new Women's hockey coaches about #PegulaArena. I guess #Mr.Pegula really can make the earth move.

Unless that earthquake was a sign of the apocalypse, I feel confident expecting official CHA approval in short order.