Tessa Janecke may just be another fan favorite for the Nittany Lion's women's hockey team. Now however, she is an Olympic gold medalist as well.
In yesterday's gold medal match against Canada, Janecke and Co. won a dramatic affair in overtime 2-1. While Janecke did not not necessarily play a huge part in the performance, she still was on the ice for almost 15 minutes and was one of the USA's key contributors throughout the tournament. To say that Team USA completely dominated the field is an understatement. Before the gold medal matchup, they had outscored opponents 31-1.
Janecke, while not getting on the scoresheet in the big game, was one of Team USA's most prolific assisters. In fact, she was fourth overall when it came to assists at the Games, with five to her name. With the Nittany Lions, Janecke is enjoying a fantastic year as well.
She is already the Nittany Lions' programs' all time leader in points and this year, her last in Happy Valley, she leads the team with 40.
Two other Nittany Lions women's hockey players were at the games, but will return to Happy Valley medal-less. Jessica Adolfson's Sweden lost to Switzerland in the bronze medal game, along with teammate Nicole Hall. Matiled Fantin played for the host country and had a solid Games herself, scoring three goals.
The Nittany Lions will be back in action Feb. 27 at home to begin their AHA campaign against one of the lowest remaining seeds.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State women's hockey star wins gold in Olympics