Guy Gadowsky quotables from Thursday's practice

Hurricane Sandy moves game

-Sandy interrupted a lot of activity at Penn State in the beginning of the week, which included the men’s ice hockey game Tuesday at Fredonia State. The game was rescheduled to Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Gadowsky gave his team a day off.

"There are much more important things than that [game]. I think all of us were sitting at home and watching the TV on the destruction. It was terrible. We’re happy to be warm and safe and dry and I just feel for the people that aren’t."

Best in the Big Ten

-The Pegula Ice Arena is still under construction, but Gadowsky said he and his staff had the opportunity to stop by and check out its progress. He said the players get a tour Friday.

“[The Pegula Ice Arena] is not going to be big…. it’s going to be the smallest in the Big Ten. But our goal isn’t to be the biggest in the Big Ten - it’s to be the best in the Big Ten. And with our student body in that beautiful rink, I think we’re going to get that."

-Gadowsky noted what he thinks the best part of the rink is.

"The student section. I think it’s perfect. I think it’s absolutely perfect. It’s as steep as code will allow. The band is right in the middle. It is perfect. It’s right over the opposing goaltender. I think the student body is going to love it."

-Gadowsky said he’s fortunate for strength and conditioning coach Robert McClain - who has nine years of NHL experience.

“He’s been building the weight room and I think along with him, the facility he has and what we have in there, it’s going to be as good as any rink in terms of developing hockey players.”

One Team

-Gadowsky previously said how important building a foundation for Penn State hockey is. He said that after six games his foundation is coming along.

"I think the guys are doing a good job, not just on the ice, but off the ice. I think they’re very committed to the university. I think they’re very committed to One Team. I think they’re very committed to themselves as athletes in terms of nutrition and training.

“It’s not something we can say ‘we’re done,’ but so far so good.”

NHL Lockout

-Gadowsky spoke about his feelings on the NHL lockout and said he hopes hockey comes back quickly because people need their “hockey fix.”

"I think there are people out there that are looking for their hockey fix that will turn to the NCAA to get it and realize how high quality it is. That’s not a secret though, people know that.”