Penn State recorded back-to-back shutouts in the Nittany Lion Invitational, the first time that has happened in the tournament's 10-year history. Goaltender John Gray earned MVP honors.

"That's a kid that really believes in himself. He's making a habit of getting these MVP trophies," Battista said.

Gray also won the MVP of last year's National Invitational Tournament, the national championship for club teams, by shutting down Ohio University (49 saves) and Iowa State (35 saves). He has been known in his short career at Penn State for coming up with clutch performances in big games.

"It's just concentration," he said after Saturday's game. "You have to keep yourself in the game. If you're in the game, the saves come easier."

Gray played in the first two periods of Friday's game and turned away the only nine shots he faced. Andy Dumas made five saves in the final period to complete the shutout.

"I think it was the way our defense played that got us these wins," Gray said.

West Chester had problems converting on what opportunities they did have. In the second period, Gray, going to his right, reached accross his body and deflected a shot attempt, stifling a Rams' breakaway.

"It was kind of a last gasp, desperate move," he said.

On Saturday, Gray played the whole game and rejected all 17 of Rhode Island's shots to blank the Rams.

Penn State's defense dominated Rhode Island, which was averaging nine goals a game going into the weekend. But the Icers weren't able to convert on all of their scoring chances and the Rams' defense only allowed 25 shots, making it a hard-fought win for Penn State.

"The easy games aren't fun. This is what it's all about," Gray said after Saturday's game.

By earning the two wins, Gray raised his overall record to 11-2-1 including three shutouts.

Joining Gray on the all-tournament team were forwards Dave Murphy and Chris Cervellero, defensemen Josh Brandwene and Mike Messner and center Bob Mecunas of Rhode Island, the only non-Penn State player on the team.