ROCHESTER, N.Y. – RIT first-year forward Evan Konyen scored what proved to be the game-winning goal early in the first period while sophomore goaltender Jakub Krbecek tied a career-high with 44 saves as the Tigers upset No. 8/9 Penn State, Saturday, at the Gene Polisseni Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
First-year forward Zach Wigle backhanded a pass from the left point through three defensemen to senior forward Austin Brimmer all alone behind the left post. Brimmer fed Konyen in the slot for a one-timer over goaltender Josh Fleming's glove at 6:28 for the lone goal of the game.
 
GAME NOTES

• Krbecek was credited with his first career shutout in a Tiger uniform as well as his third career game with at least 40 saves. He also made 44 saves in a 2-1 loss at Bowling Green last season (Dec. 29).
• Krbecek totaled 19 saves in the first period and made 15 in the third period to hold the Nittany Lions scoreless for only the second time this season.
• RIT earned its first shutout of the season as well as its first since blanking AIC, 3-0, on Feb. 14 last season.
• RIT earned its fourth Division I-era win opposite a top-10 ranked team and first since upsetting No. 9 Clarkson, 8-5, at home to open the 2020-21 season.
• Konyen also scored both goals during the Tigers' 3-2 setback at Clarkson on Monday.
• Wigle won a career-high 16-of-23 faceoffs while also logging his seventh assist and 11th point of the season.
• Brimmer added his seventh assist and 12th point of the season.
• RIT finished the night with 20 blocked shots, including a career-high five by sophomore defenseman Mason Croucher.
• Penn State played its first game in 41 days, taking the ice for the first time since a 2-1 win at Minnesota (Nov. 22).
• RIT hosted the eighth sellout (4,233) in Gene Polisseni Center history. 

WHAT'S NEXT
RIT travels to University Park, Pa. on Sunday (Jan. 4) for a road rematch with the Nittany Lions set for a 5:05 p.m. faceoff.