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Millersville D2 Ice Hockey secures 5-2 Senior Night win over Penn State Harrisburg

The Marauders embrace after securing their win against Penn State Harrisburg. KATELYN AUTY / SNAPPER

Katelyn Auty
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Associate Sports Editor

Millersville D2 Ice Hockey secured a 5-2 victory over Penn State Harrisburg during their last game of the regular season Saturday night. After a last-minute forfeit from Bryn Athyn, Penn State Harrisburg agreed to be Millersville’s opponent. 

The game included a pre-game ceremony recognizing the team’s seniors. Those recognized include:

#14 Forward Jacob Burke, who also serves as the team’s captain
#13 Forward Elias Lountzis
#12 Forward Joe Pedicone
#30 Goalie Dylan Schroeder
#11 Forward Cole McCulley
#20 Forward Alden Spotts
#26 Defenseman Pat McDevitt
#15 Forward Justin Carrelli
Graphic Designer Anne Russell
Scoreboard Operator Colesen Sheaffer
Broadcaster Joshua Gearhart (“The Voice of Millersville Ice Hockey”)
Announcer Chamomile Giblin
Photographer Kylee Dwinal

Both teams had high energy right out of the gate. About halfway through the first period, Millersville’s Joe Pedicone opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal assisted by Jeremy Seyfert and Aiden Carey. The Nittany Lions responded with a controversial goal less than two minutes later. Goaltender Dylan Schroeder was knocked into the goal, which then allowed the puck to go in as well. After some deliberation, the officials ruled it as a good goal, telling the Millersville bench that one of their players was the one who pushed Schroeder in. This decision was not received well, as many Millersville players and fans could be heard yelling at the referees. That goal was the last scored in the first period.

The second period opened with a goal from Alden Spotts, assisted by Aiden Stromberg. A few minutes later, Cole McCulley scored with an assist from Pedicone. This goal marked Pedicone’s 100th career point. 

“It was cool. Definitely something I’ve tried to hit later on this season. It’s a good way to end Senior Night and the last four years here,” Pedicone shared. 

A few minutes later, Penn State Harrisburg scored, bringing the score to 3-2 to end the second. 

Less than a minute into the third period, Pedicone scored, assisted by his brother Jake Pedicone. About three and a half minutes later, McCulley scored a power-play goal with assists from Joe Pedicone and Ben Bell. This would be the last goal of the game, bringing the final score to 5-2. 

“It’s been a magical four years with these boys,” Schroeder shared post-game. “I’ve had a great time. Yeah, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Especially with it ending with a win. It was great.”

The day after the game, Millersville D2 Ice Hockey took to Instagram to congratulate Schroeder on having the highest career Save Percentage in Millersville Ice Hockey History.

“With a career Save Percentage of .922 in 40 total games played, Dylan Schroeder now holds the highest Save Percentage in Millersville Ice Hockey History,” they shared. “Over his career he has amounted a total record of 29-10-1.”

With the end of the regular season comes a new challenge for the Marauders as they head into playoffs. They have earned a bye for the first round, which takes place on Friday. Saturday, they will play the lowest remaining seed at the Class of 1923 Arena at 12:10 p.m. If they win, they go on to play the winner of the West Chester vs. highest remaining seed game on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The winner of Sunday’s game is the winner of the Colonial Cup. 

“Man, I’m so ready. I’m so ready,” Schroeder shared with a smile. “Next week’s going to be the best time. We’re going to win these two games, going to come home with a ring on our finger. Get ready for next year. We’re going to have home barn in playoffs. Oh, that’s going to be great. I’m ready.”

Spirits are high as the Marauders come off of this win and head into the playoffs. Players and fans alike are excited to see how the playoffs shape up and are ready to cheer on their Marauders no matter the outcome.

“I just want to play,” said McCulley. “I just want to be there and win that. Win the tournament. Win it all. We’ve had two chances already. Nothing will feel better than just bringing one home.”