In the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament, you have Penn State, Ohio State, Princeton and the defending National Champion, Denver.

The Nittany Lions are most familiar with the Buckeyes, but there is a history with the Pioneers.

Denver and Penn State met this time last year in Cincinnati, and Denver is considered one of the hottest teams in college hockey.

Penn State coach Guy Gadwosky is intrigued to see how far Penn State has come when compared to the last time they met with the Pioneers.

“I think we were taught a few lessons last year and we’re curious to see if we’ve improved in certain areas,” he said. “This time of year you’re facing either a really hot team or a a really good team that happens to be successful all year.  

“They happen to be both.”

Penn State has one win already in the PPL Center, this athletic calendar, as the Nittany Lion Wrestling team topped Lehigh in December.

Before the Nittany Lions took the ice for a quick practice, Denver was able to get their feet wet, as the defending national champions prepare to meet the Nittany Lions tomorrow.

“It’s awesome that Penn State has stepped up and created a new environment for the regionals,” Denver coach Jim Montgomery said. “Because this is a great tournament and the atmosphere here tomorrow night, I imagine, I don’t know what ticket sales are but it’s going to be filled with Penn State fans so we’ve got prepare for a road game here and with the way we’ve been playing, we’re excited about this challenge.”

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm with the winner playing either Ohio State or Princeton on Sunday.