Matthew DiMarsico scored the game-winning goal for Penn State against the University of Connecticut on March 30, securing the team a place in the Frozen Four for the first time since becoming a varsity NCAA program in the 2012-13 season. Penn State will face Boston University in the national semifinals at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on April 10. The other semifinal will feature Western Michigan against Denver.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, DiMarsico, an undrafted NHL free agent, explained, “I didn’t even know how to feel. It was just a rush of excitement. Ended up throwing my stick in the stands, which was a pretty cool moment.”
DiMarsico credits the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, his youth hockey program based in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, for his development as a player. “I think Pens Elite definitely helped me turn myself into the player I am today,” he said. He spent eight years in the program and accumulated 239 points over 167 games at various youth levels.
This season, DiMarsico has recorded 32 points in 38 games, an improvement from his freshman season total of 26 points. He attributes much of his growth to the Penguins Elite program, which was established in March 2012 as a collaboration between the Penguins, Pittsburgh Hornets, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. “Especially when they made the EXCEL program for high schoolers, I think that really helped me take my game to the next level,” he added.
EXCEL Hockey Academy combines education and hockey training to prepare players for collegiate athletics. It is a partnership with North Catholic High School, DiMarsico’s alma mater, and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
Several of DiMarsico’s Penn State teammates also came from Penguins Elite, including Alex Servagno, Braedon Ford, Dane Dowiak, Carter Schade, and Casey Aman. Penguins Elite executive director, Danny MacKinnon, noted ongoing ties with the program, stating, “I’m not sure of the exact number, but there’s like another six guys that have Pens Elite ties that are committed there already.”
Other former Penguins Elite players are also competing in the Frozen Four, including Western Michigan’s Brian Kramer and Boston University’s Brandon Svoboda.
MacKinnon expressed pride in the program, saying, “To have three out of the four teams represented at the Frozen Four, it doesn’t happen every year. But obviously it’s special.”
DiMarsico and Svoboda, former teammates at EXCEL, exchanged words after Penn State’s victory over Connecticut. “I was letting him know, ‘It’s going to be a war here against you guys,'” DiMarsico said.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the influence of Pittsburgh’s hockey culture, citing local hockey legends for inspiring young players like DiMarsico. “They have the same influence on these young players that are coming out of this area,” Sullivan said. “It’s impressive.”
DiMarsico attended the Penguins development camp in July, a significant experience for the hometown player. “I think one of the moments that really just stuck out was when Kris Letang came in and kind of talked to all of us,” he recalled.
As DiMarsico prepares for the Frozen Four, the magnitude of his journey continues to sink in. “Honestly, it hasn’t really sunk in,” he admitted. “I think it’s just a rush of excitement to send Penn State to their first Frozen Four ever.”
