Player Spotlight: Oskar Autio
After losing to Ohio State on Nov. 23, Penn State looked to its backup goaltender Oskar Autio to step into the crease for the opening game of the Turkey Leg Classic. The 20-year-old Finnish goaltender rebounded from his last start in the 4-0 loss versus Alaska Fairbanks on Oct. 18 by shutting out Merrimack on 16 shots, achieving his first win and shutout of his collegiate career.
“It feels really good to get the first one out of the way,” Autio said. “It’s big for me, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is the team got a win.”
Playing behind starter Peyton Jones, Autio acknowledges that when he is called on by head coach Guy Gadowsky, he needs to perform.
“For me, it’s just trying to have a positive mindset and just trying to, every day, show up to the rink with a smile on my face,” Autio said.
With an amazing performance in net against Merrimack, Autio didn’t forget about the impressive offensive and defensive performance in front of him.
“We barred down and played really well defensively all night, so it helped me out a lot,” Autio said.
Oskar Autio and the Nittany Lions will travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines for a weekend series, beginning Friday, Dec. 6, at 8:30 p.m.
Jordan Hession is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email hessionjordan@gmail.com.