Player Spotlight: Kris Myllari

Audio/Story posted October 24, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Malcolm Wilson

Ranked at No. 9 in the nation, Penn State, one of the most promising programs in the Big Ten, is expected to do big things this year. Among the many veterans and upperclassmen on the team, senior defenseman Kris Myllari is a big reason for the team’s success in recent years.

Hailing from Kanata, Ontario, Myllari has as many accolades over his illustrious four-year career as any player in recent history. He has scored more goals since joining the program than any defenseman in Penn State hockey history with 17. He also ranks fifth all-time in points by a defenseman (51) and seventh in assists (35).

The star blueliner is coming off a junior season in which he logged four goals and 17 assists to go along with his plus-19 plus-minus rating. His 21 points last year are the seventh most by a Penn State defenseman in school history, while his eight goals from his sophomore season tie the single-season record for goals by a defenseman.

Needless to say, Myllari has had a profound impact on the Nittany Lions’ performance during his three years with the program. The offensive firepower he brings to the team is matched by very few in the history of the school, and the standout defenseman has had no trouble getting pucks to the net throughout the last three seasons.

In addition to his ability to contribute offensively, Myllari has displayed impressive defensive capabilities as well. His plus-17 career plus-minus rating speaks volumes about the impact he has whenever he is on the ice, and he has also continued to improve his skills on defense each season.

A senior now in his fourth season, Myllari has also emerged as one of the veteran leaders of the team. Younger players look up to his physical, fearless style of play and his three years of experience playing college hockey allow him to offer valuable insight to his younger teammates.

Though it is still very early in the season, the star defenseman has already made an impact in the few games the Nittany Lions have played. Myllari recorded an assist in Thursday’s game against Alaska-Fairbanks to contribute to a 7-0 shutout victory at Pegula Ice Arena. The senior’s play on defense has been pivotal to the team’s strong 3-1 start to the year.

Kris Myllari will look to help his team build upon last year’s 22-15-2 record. Look for No. 4 to turn more heads this season, beginning with Friday night’s tilt against Robert Morris at Pegula.

 

 

Malcolm Wilson is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact him, email malcolmwilson773@gmail.com.