Forward Tessa Janecke (15) takes a shot at the goal during the Penn State women’s hockey game against RIT inside the Pegula Ice arena on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 in University Park, Pa, The Nittany Lions beat the Tigers 4-0.
Forward Tessa Janecke (15) takes a shot at the goal during the Penn State women’s hockey game against RIT inside the Pegula Ice arena on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 in University Park, Pa, The Nittany Lions beat the Tigers 4-0.
Big-time players shine in big moments, and for Penn State, no one embraces that role more than captain Tessa Janecke.
The junior forward wasted no time making her presence known in Game 1 of the Atlantic Hockey America semifinals, scoring twice in the first five minutes to propel the Nittany Lions to a 3-2 win over RIT on Friday.
“We got the start we wanted for sure,” coach Jeff Kampersal said. “Opening shift, getting a goal there, and then another one within the first five minutes — we talk about that all the time, and I thought that was hugely important.”
Janecke’s first goal came just 16 seconds into the game, setting the tone for Penn State’s fast-paced attack. The Nittany Lions wasted no time asserting their dominance, catching RIT off guard in the opening moments of the game.
The Orangeville, Illinois, native wasted no opportunity to capitalize on the chance, as she found the back of the net with a quick wrist shot, silencing the opposing crowd and giving Penn State a 1-0 lead.
However, Janecke wasn’t done. Just minutes later, she struck again, this time on a well-executed play that saw Katelyn Roberts send a perfect pass to her in front of the net. She made no mistake, doubling the lead and putting Penn State firmly in control with a 2-0 advantage. On that goal, Janecke registered her 150th career point.
While her scoring exploits took center stage on the scoresheet, Janecke’s impact went far beyond just putting the puck in the net. She was a force in the faceoff circle, winning 25-of-29 draws. This dominance at the dot allowed Penn State to control possession for much of the game, as they finished with a 43-22 advantage in faceoff wins.
“It’s vital,” Janecke said of her role in the faceoff circle. “It’s like a battle in itself. If I don’t win the puck back, we don’t get control. So I focus a lot on that and try to win them in practice too.”
The physical nature of the game didn’t faze Janecke, who relished the intensity that came with such a high-stakes matchup. RIT’s aggressive play added an edge to the game, but Janecke embraced the challenge, using her body and her tenacity to keep the momentum in Penn State’s favor.
“I like playing a more physical game,” Janecke said. “But I’d like it to be consistent in the calls. It’s one thing to be physical back and forth, and it’s another to hold one team more accountable because they’re more skilled.”
Despite their early dominance, the Nittany Lions were forced to withstand a late push from RIT. The Tigers fought back, scoring two goals of their own, including a late power-play tally that made things interesting in the final moments. However, Janecke and her teammates held firm, making crucial plays down the stretch to preserve the win.
As the game wound down, Janecke’s leadership and composure were key in helping Penn State maintain its lead. Her ability to control the puck, win key faceoffs and play with physicality helped the Nittany Lions close out the victory and move one step closer to a championship appearance.
With a chance to secure a spot in the AHA title game, Janecke looks to deliver another game-changing performance in Game 2 on Saturday. If the first game was any indication, the junior forward is more than ready to lead her team to the ultimate prize.
As Penn State heads into Game 2 with a 1-0 series lead, Janecke’s early heroics have set a powerful precedent. Her leadership and all-around play are a testament to her growth as a player, and her ability to deliver in clutch moments will be crucial as the Nittany Lions chase their championship dreams.
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