Penn State to add Division I hockey

PSU upgrading hockey program to Division I

Penn State is about to join the Division I ranks in men's ice hockey, a source told the Post-Gazette.

The university called a news conference Friday to make the announcement official. Penn State alumnus Terry Pegula has pledged $80 million-$90 million to fund the program and build a new arena, which would seat between 6,000-8,000 near the Bryce Jordan Center.

The source said the team will move from club status to Division I in 2011 or '12. Penn Sate likely would begin play as an independent. The Big Ten Conference currently has five teams that play hockey -- Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Penn State will be allowed 18 scholarships.

First published on September 16, 2010 at 12:00 am