It didn't take long for the newest player on the Penn State ACHA Division I Icers to make his presence felt. Just ask Pitt.

Forward Bryan Sobonya, who played his first two games for Penn State last weekend, wanted to make sure every Panthers player on the ice knew where he was at all times. If those skaters didn't, they often found out the hard way.

"He hits like a truck," Icers head coach Scott Balboni said of the center. "He's out there hitting constantly every shift, and if he keeps that in check I think that's going to be an asset for us because we haven't had that physical presence this year."

The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound Sobonya is an intimidating figure on the ice. On Saturday, the recent transfer from NCAA Division III Utica College proved that there is more to his repertoire than vicious checks.

The Icers were surprisingly trailing an upstart Pittsburgh team late in the first period when Sobonya scored to tie the contest at one.

With Penn State protecting a 2-1 lead late in the game, he showed his fierce side, delivering a crushing blow behind the Panthers' net that knocked a Pittsburgh player out of the game. The Icers hung on to win.

Despite the crucial goal, Sobonya is not shy about his role as a physical player.

"That's why I'm here; I'm here to hit people and get stuff started," he said. "I can hopefully put the puck in the net when I have the opportunity, but that's not really why I'm here."

Sobonya said that he is really gelling with the rest of his teammates and looks to continue improving his play for the rest of the season.

The Icers are happy to have him around, as well.

"He stepped up," forward Jamie Zimmel said after Saturday's win. "He's a big hitter and a good player and he really got the job done."

Balboni said Sobonya still has some areas to work on before he is truly in playing shape. Because Sobonya hadn't played much hockey before joining the Icers, his conditioning has been an issue. He was held out of Penn State's first few games of the year, but the layoff had some lingering affects during last weekend's series.

"He's still a long way from being in full shape," Balboni said. "He's not there yet, and he took some penalties tonight on plays where I think he was tired."

Sobonya had three penalties over the weekend, something that Balboni hopes he can limit. But the coach is confident that the conditioning issues should improve.

For now, Sobonya is happy playing for Penn State and being part of a team again.

"The guys are great," he said.

"And they're always there for you. It's amazing."