“When he shows up, he’s there with a purpose. His work ethic is infectious, whether he’s producing or not,” said Gadowsky. “He’s a guy that gives so much of himself every shift, game in and game out, and it’s had a really big influence amongst the team.”

From freshman phenom to sophomore sensation, Aiden Fink has taken the hockey world by storm at just 20 years old.

The Alberta native's career with the Blue & White began in April of 2023, on the heels of two outstanding seasons with the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). During the 2022-23 season, Fink served as an alternate captain, and earned AJHL and CJHL MVP honors following a league-best 97 points across 54 games. This success led to Fink’s selection in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators, creating speculation about his impending role at Penn State.

In his rookie year with the Nittany Lions, Fink found immediate success, tallying an assist in his career debut, scoring his first collegiate goal just four games into the season, and his first hat trick a month into his rookie campaign, on the road against conference opponent, Michigan.

Through an incredibly productive season, Fink became the beacon of hope for an otherwise struggling Penn State team, ending the season as the team leader in goals (15) and total points (34).

Fast forward a year, Fink now leads the nation in points (44) and points-per-game (1.47) and is second in goals scored (22). Despite his success on the scoresheet, No. 18’s impact has been felt all across the ice and has been a catalyst to Penn State’s success all year.

Just 64 games into his career, he has managed to accumulate enough accolades, statistics and praise throughout the collegiate hockey community to cement himself into a true Hobey Baker hopeful.

“If you look at his numbers, it’s evident that he’s really held the load of the offensive production. But the thing about him that stands out from other high-scoring players, is the way he safely manages the puck. You can always rely on him to protect, and in a way that allows him to execute his vision,” said head coach Guy Gadowsky.

Despite his numbers, the sophomore’s impact extends well beyond the scoresheet; his evolution from a play finisher to a playmaker over the past year has provided Penn State with the spark it needed for its second-half surge.

Fink arrives at the rink each day, fueled by the passion to always be better than the day before. Through any adversity or struggle, his essence has always surrounded the idea that hard work and a positive mindset will never fail.

“I’ve learned to never let myself get negative,” said Fink. “It’s a big thing in the NCAA, sometimes things aren’t going to go your way. If you get down about it, you’re going to be off your game, so it’s always going to be about staying positive for me.”

While faced with the task of stepping up as a freshman on a team that otherwise struggled with production, Fink devoted a lot of his time focusing on doing what he can to ensure full-team productivity, even down to the freshman class. He worked twice as hard to be a player that can not only find the back of the net, but create more opportunities for his teammates to do the same.

Now in the thick of a record season, Fink remains a strong candidate for the Hobey Baker Award – an award granted to the top collegiate men’s hockey player, honoring character, teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship.

On the stat sheet, Fink’s contributions speak for themselves as the collegiate leader in points and points per game, but that just scratches the surface. Fink came into a team that was struggling to rebuild from its previous success, and not finding the production from veteran players, forcing Fink to step up.

Fink took the challenge on and executed it to the highest degree possible, and proceeded to better himself day-by-day. Praised by his coaches and teammates for his hard work, passion and sheer determination, he has taken this program to new heights, and currently leads them on their hunt for a spot in the NCAA tournament.

The transformation he’s brought to this program on and off the ice are second-to-none, and he is deeply admired and respected amongst his teammates.

“His work ethic and overall attitude at the rink are so special. He’s so positive, so fun to be around, loves hockey and just makes it so much fun for the rest of us,” said former Brooks Bandits linemate and current Penn State teammate, Nic DeGraves.

Penn State looks to continue its run this weekend against No. 1/1 Michigan State in East Lansing, with just four games to go in their regular season schedule.

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Sophomore Star Aiden Fink Shows Dominance Across National Landscape