Penn State Men’s Hockey to play in inaugural Capital Hockey Classic

WASHINGTON (WTAJ) — The Penn State Men’s Hockey team is heading to D.C. for the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced Wednesday that Penn State, Army and Navy would participate in a first-of-its-kind college hockey doubleheader this December. The hockey matches will be played on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Capital One Arena, home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

The first game will feature Army taking on Navy, followed by a matchup between Army and Penn State. The celebration from the two United States military academies will take place days before the Army-Navy college football game, which takes place at Commanders Field on Dec. 14.

“We are ecstatic to be able to welcome college hockey back to Capital One Arena,” Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, said. “It is an honor to host this college hockey showcase ahead of the iconic Army-Navy football game, giving fans a chance to witness this storied rivalry on the ice and then see two top Division I teams match up against each other.”

Penn State is entering its 13th season as a Division I program and secured its 200th program win last season. The Nittany Lions also have five 20+ win seasons over the past nine years including two Big Ten Championships (2017, 2020) and three NCAA Tournament berths (2017, 2018, 2023).

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of the first-ever Capital Hockey Classic,” Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky, said. “The Army-Navy football game is a yearly spectacle and to add a hockey component to this special weekend is an awesome opportunity. I’m excited we will be able to spread our Hockey Valley community to the DMV area, an area we haven’t been to yet in our short history, but one with a large alumni base. We know there will be a lot of Blue & White support in D.C.! We Are!”

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Game times, ticket information and additional details will be available soon online .

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