Senior goalkeeper John Gray finds that he is the key to the Icer’s run and gun offense, and he does not even have to leave the goal.
Icers Coach Joe Battista cited the philosophy of a fellow coach of building his team “from the net out.” He feels this is a solid foundation for accomplishing what he wants to do with his offense.
“We have a lot of confidence in Johnny,” Battista said. “We couldn’t run this type of offense if we couldn’t count on him to rise to the occasion.”
The Icers are placing a strong emphasis on a fast attacking offense, but to do this they must have a strong back up at the goal in case of a breakdown.
“I look forward to the challenge,” Gray said. “The run and gun will produce a lot of big goals for us, but sometimes that leaves the defense exposed.”
Battista feels that this places a lot of pressure on Gray, but he also feels that Gray is up for the challenge.
“He slipped a little last season,” Battista said, “but I think he is just waiting for the right opportunity to come back. If I didn’t think he could rise to the occasion I wouldn’t do it.”
Gray already established a great start, against Erie College, he recorded his eighth career shutout to set a Penn State record. Gray said that he is not content to stop there. He said there is still a lot that he wants to do.
He will have his chance to start tonight, and again tomorrow afternoon, as the Icers face former ICHL foe the University of Buffalo.
“We are all pumped up for the occasion,” Gray said. “It is the last home opener we will have, and we are going to come out very intense.”
The Thundering Herd is a young, rebuilding team, but has every intention of coming at the Icers in stampeed fashion.
“I have no illusions,” said Buffalo Coach Richard Brooks. “Penn State is a strong team and they will be very tough. We are a young team, but I am confident we will do our very best. We’re not comming to lose.”
Gray said he likes the competition, and will not take any team lightly.
“They always play us tough,” Gray said. “I like that kind of hockey, but we cannot underestimate anybody. We have the potential to be one of the greatest Penn State teams ever, and we are going to play every game as if it were our last.”
Playing among greatness is not an unfamiliar feeling for Gray. In the spring of 1990, Gray’s freshmen year at Penn State, the Icers won the National Championship.
Gray’s time here at Penn State has been some what of the fairy tale fashion. In his freshman year, he coasted through the regular season with only 5 starts, and worked hard at making an impression. That impression came in the form of winning the MVP in the Nationals, and led the Icers to winning the National Championship.
“It was a great thing,” Gray said. “It was an incredible feeling to win it for the older guys.”
Gray came into the following season with the flair he finished with. In his sophomore year, he broke the record for the number of single season wins.
“Everybody expected it of me,” he said. “I guess I expected it of my self.”
Gray even added his effort to the offense, by chalking up a few assists to his credit.
“I like to play the puck,” Gray said. “I like to be a part of goals that mean something.”
Battista said he remembered one particular goal where Gray made a pass through to the opposing blue line for an assist on a breakaway goal.
“He’s got some fabulous stick play,” Battista said. “It really adds something to our defense.”
Gray said he will do whatever it takes to win this year, and has every intention of leading his team to another National Championship.
“We have the potential to be great,” Gray said. “I think we can be one of the best Penn State teams ever.”