The Icer forward chased the puck behind Illinois' net Saturday, where only one thing stood in his way -- goaltender Devon Huber. Seeing the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Icer coming toward him, Huber stood behind the net to shield the puck.

But that was not a problem for Mike Pietrangelo.

Moments later, Huber was laying on the ice. The Penn State freshman plowed over the goalie without hesitation. By that time, in the middle of the third period, the Icers were well on their way to a 10-6 victory.

"I was trying to go for the puck and (Huber) stood up to keep me from it," Pietrangelo said.

He added that his physical strength is his biggest asset. Pietrangelo tries to hit people and put himself in front of the net, he said.

"He's just a big, strong guy," Icer Coach Joe Battista said.

But No. 13 contributes other qualities to the team, Battista added, citing Pietrangelo's toughness, checking ability and skillful hands.

The Warminster native began playing hockey when he was 4 or 5 years old (he can't recall which), following in the footsteps of his brother. He continued playing at William Tennent High School, where he was the team's leading scorer from 1991 to 1993.

"It's hard making the transition from being the best player on the team to becoming part of a good program," Pietrangelo said.

He also had difficulty adjusting to Battista's use of four or five lines. In high school, Pietrangelo's team used only two, giving him more continuous playing time.

"You always have to mentally keep in the game here," he said.

Pietrangelo said his first few games at Penn State were the toughest. Because competition at the college level is more physical and fast-paced, he did not know what to expect.

But from the start, Pietrangelo has received support from the older players on the team. Co-captain John Farrall said Pietrangelo is a great hockey player.

"In terms of the freshmen, he's one of the best," Farrall said. "He's definitely earned his playing time."

Battista said the forward has been outstanding, winning most of the faceoffs he takes.

"We had high hopes for him, and he was a little gun-shy in the beginning," Battista said. "But after a slow start he's really come on strong."

Pietrangelo has seven goals and three assists so far this season, including a hat trick last Tuesday against Scranton. He has been playing on a rotating line with junior Ed Waryas, freshman Tom Westfall and sophomore Andrew Barnes.

"He's definitely found his niche on that line," Battista said.

Pietrangelo's efforts have contributed to the team's No. 1 American Collegiate Hockey Association ranking. He said the team has a legitimate shot of going to nationals -- as long as they keep up the hard work.

Pietrangelo added the ranking is great for the team's morale, but also benefits the team in less obvious ways.

"People around campus notice the ranking," Pietrangelo, "and seem to respect us more."