In light of the well-documented NCAA sanctions handed down to Penn State earlier this week, much has been asked about PSU athletics and the impending Division I hockey programs for men and women.
Tuesday, men’s head coach Guy Gadowsky released a statement.
“As you know, yesterday the NCAA imposed unprecedented sanctions on Penn State for failures that occurred in the past. I am motivated by the professionalism and positive nature in which football coach Bill O’Brien is dealing with the recent NCAA ruling. Penn State hockey stands behind coach O’Brien, our great university and the best student body in the nation. We are excited to move forward together to build a better Penn State.
One of the greatest things I have learned here is that the Penn State student body is unrivaled by any. I can’t wait to see how they rally around the athletic department and show the nation what we are all about.
I greatly appreciate the numerous notes of encouragement that I have received from our alumni and supporters. After speaking with Mr. Pegula, I can assure you that he — with me and our entire staff — is totally committed to building our varsity hockey program and supporting our student-athletes as we prepare to compete in Division I and the Big Ten.”
In light of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal findings, Penn State was fined $60 million, the football program was forced to vacate all wins between 1998 and 2011, the school has been banned from post-season play for four years and the number of athletic scholarships available have been reduced.
