Axel(Focus)- The Penn State Nittany Lions hockey team is looking for their fifth and sixth wins of the season this week, as the 17th ranked St. Lawrence program will come into Happy Valley for the first time since Penn State has become a D1 program. Two victories for the Nittany Lions would all but assure Penn state to be ranked come Sunday afternoon’s updated rankings.
Riders(Who)- The people to interview for this package would be the Head Coach of the team, Guy Gadowski, as well as some of his players, including those who have made an impact on the season so far, including David Glen and freshman Andrew Sturtz. I would also interview some fans about the game, especially the significance of this big time two game series so early in the year. This story would effect everyone that calls themselves a Penn State hockey fan but doesn’t know much about the team, because most outside of the die hards would not realize that the team has a very legitimate chance to become ranked for just the second time in program history.
Spokes(Details)- St. Lawrence comes into town as the #17 team in the nation. Penn State is coming off a series split with possibly the best non-conference team to come through Happy Valley in Notre Dame. The series this Thursday and Friday are absolutely critical for the team moving forward, as it will show just how good the team actually is after starting 4-1, but playing some lesser opponents, including AIC and Canisius. This weekend is huge for fans to pile into the Pegula Ice Arena and get loud in support of their team.
Rim(Structure)-
Beginning- The beginning of the package would start with a wide shot of an empty Pegula Ice Arena, as I would discuss what is about to take place the following day(If I’m able to get this done in advance). I would explain what the series is, and who the team is that Penn State is playing. I’d then explain who exactly this Penn State team is.
Middle- In the middle of the package, I would get interviews of Guy Gadowsky and ask him what a series like this means for the team. I’d also ask him how he wins this series, and what it would mean to the program and the fans. Then I’d interview a players or two, in particular Andrew Sturtz, the freshman who is getting his first opportunity at the colleg level to take on a ranked opponent. I’d ask him about how he’ll prepare and if nerves will be a factor.
End- Finally, I would do a standup of which I’d break down the game from an analytical standpoint, and talk about what the program will do to prepare for this game. I’d also speak about how the fans support will be crucial to the success of the team. I’d wrap things up where the package began, back in an empty, and hopefully, dark Pegula and explain that when the lights go on and the fans pile in, it will be go time for the Nittany Lions and they’ll need to be ready in order to take down St. Lawrence.