PSU Hockey Player Spotlight: Eamon McAdam

Story posted December 3, 2015 in CommRadio, Sports by David Arroyo

Coming off of the first shutout of his collegiate career, Eamon McAdam was excited and realized going into the third period the possibility of what could happen.

“I was looking forward to it. I knew going into the third that I was playing well and that I had a shutout going. It was kind of in the back of my mind, and I was trying not to let it take too much of my focus,” said McAdam.

Before arriving at Penn State, McAdam was a notable player both in the USHL and in international competition. In the USHL, the goaltender was a member of the Waterloo Black Hawks for three seasons, with his best season coming in 2012-13. The junior went 17-9-3 with a save percentage of .896 and a goals against average of 3.45. The Perkasie, PA native played on the U.S. Junior Select Team in 2012 and helped lead the team to a gold medal in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia with a record of 4-0-0. McAdam also saw success in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects game and earned MVP honors.

However, his first year at State College did not see the same success transfer over. In the 2013-14 campaign, McAdam was 0-9-0 in his 10 starts, allowing over four goals per game with a save percentage of .882. The season was not all lows, however, as his best game of the season was against Minnesota, as he turned away 42 shots on the night.

The sophomore campaign brought more success for McAdam, however, as he made 11 starts in 12 appearances, leading the team with a .910 save percentage and posted a 5-4-1 record to go along with it. He also lowered his goals-against average to 3.13. Six times during the season, McAdam had 30 or more saves and was the goalie in net for Penn State’s first win over a top five opponent against UMass- Lowell. A week later, he made 38 saves in a big win against Michigan. His best game of his season came on March 6th against Michigan once again as the Nittany Lions took the 6-4 win, with McAdam making 41 saves and earning the first goaltender point in Penn State Division I hockey history with an assist. On top of his improvement on the ice, the then sophomore earned Academic All-Big Ten honors along side many of his teammates.

This season has seen continued improvement from last season, as the junior currently boasts a 6-1-0 record on the year. With all of his success this season, McAdam reminds everyone to know he could not be doing it without his defense.

“We have a lot of guys blocking shots, getting sticks on pucks and then the forwards are coming back hard every shift and back checking and making big plays that way,” said McAdam.

But McAdam should absolutely be taking some of this early season success for himself. The now veteran goaltender is having his best collegiate season, and will have an opportunity to really prove himself this weekend, facing off against Michigan State’s Jake Hildebrand, who is one of the best goalies in the Big Ten.

“It’s great competition. He has been leading the way in the Big Ten ever since I’ve been here,” said McAdam. “Getting to play against him is going to be a good test for us.”

With that statement from McAdam, he seems up for the task and ready for when the puck drops Friday night at Pegula.

David Arroyo is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. If you would like to contact him email, arroyodavid01@gmail.com.