Penn State Hockey Fans Paint Pegula

Story posted April 17, 2023 in CommRadio, News by Jacob Cheris

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — On Sunday, the Pegula Ice Arena hosted its annual “Paint Pegula” event, to commemorate the 2022-23 Penn State hockey season.

Season ticket holders came to the rink to paint messages on the ice to thank the team for a great season. Members of the men’s hockey team and the Roar Zone were also in attendance.

The Roar Zone is the official student section of Penn State hockey.

President Troy LaPolice  (PhD student) said this was a great way to interact with the team and get to talk to the players on a personal level.

“It really makes us feel like we're a part of the program and you a part of the team's success,” LaPolice said. “It’s great that we are receiving this great feedback from the players, their parents and the coaching staff.”

Katie Thompson (junior-animal science) said painting the ice was a great community builder among Penn State hockey fans.

“The painting aspect was really cool. It allowed a lot of us to show our creative sides,” Thompson said. “We were all amazed by it. Seeing the ice from a different perspective and being up close and personal was really cool.”

This was the first time the event took place since the 2018-19 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So many fans did not get to experience this for the past three years.

“They all seem excited to be out there with us, painting away and having a good time,” Thompson said.

The ice will be melted next week to prepare for spring commencement ceremonies.

Jacob Cheris is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com.