UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa – Senior Ben Schoen last suited up in front of the Hockey Valley faithful 644 days ago during a 3-2 victory against Notre Dame on January 21, 2023. That is set to change this Friday as Penn State takes on St. Lawrence in its 2024-25 home opener.

In the midst of a highly successful 15-point sophomore campaign, Schoen took a big hit on the road against Michigan, one that would change the trajectory of his hockey career forever. While it was clear Schoen would not make a quick enough recovery to return again that season, the Nittany Lion forward had no idea the road in store for him.

Schoen missed the entirety of the 2023-24 season and used a medical redshirt to endure the difficult and tedious work required to achieve a full recovery. After a long 617-day hiatus consistent with collaboration with medical professionals and the team training staff, the Maumee, Ohio native made his post injury debut with the Blue & White in this year's season opener against Alaska Fairbanks.

Eager to get back to his role as a key contributor within the Nittany Lion offense, Schoen ignited the offense as he opened up the scoring against No. 8 Quinnipiac, for his first goal of this highly anticipated comeback season.

“I honestly think I blacked out…it had been 689 days since I scored my last goal,” exclaimed Schoen. “I was just so happy, and it was a big goal for the team, so it felt really good.”

As much difficulty as he endured to get back to his physical game, the mental aspect of the recovery takes twice as much effort. Constantly praised and recognized by his teammates and coaching staff, his victories were celebrated not only amongst the locker room and coaching staff, but throughout the Penn State hockey family.

“He went through some really hard times physically, but even more mentally, and with that I give full credit to his ability to persevere,” emphasized head coach Guy Gadowsky. “It meant a great deal for him to score that goal, in terms of all the work he put in. We’re so proud of him for battling back how he did, but we know he’s got even more in him.”

As just one small milestone on the long journey to come, Schoen now prepares to suit up on home ice for the first time since January 21, 2023. Backed by the support system that got him through this treacherous journey, he emphasized how essential the role of his family and teammates have been.

“You can see his resilience, I mean he went out with one of the worst injuries I’ve ever seen someone have,” explained Schoen’s teammate, Danny Dzhaniyev. “It’s about him being a warrior and being able to overcome that massive obstacle, it’s just special to see and motivates us as a group in that locker room.”

Between his family traveling in to watch his first game post-injury, and the incredibly passionate fan base in the Roar Zone, Schoen will be warmly welcomed back into Hockey Valley, ready to make up for lost time.

Puck drop against St. Lawrence is set for 7 p.m. on Friday as the 2-1-0 Nittany Lions look to get back in the win column before entering conference play.

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Ben Schoen Set to Make Long-Awaited Return to Pegula in Home Opener