From Rock Bottom to Ice Top: Ben Schoen’s Gritty Comeback Inspires Penn State Hockey

When Penn State forward Ben Schoen hit the ice on January 27, 2023, against Michigan, no one could have predicted how much his world was about to change. A second-period collision sent him crashing feet-first into the boards, triggering a devastating injury that sidelined him for 617 days. Yet today, Schoen is back on the ice, proving that resilience and hard work can rewrite even the harshest of narratives.

A Nightmare on Ice

Schoen’s injury, a shattered talus bone in his ankle—a type of fracture typically seen in high-speed car accidents—was nothing short of catastrophic. As he lay on the ice, the pain was unbearable, and the future of his hockey career looked bleak. Post-X-ray revelations showed his ankle resembled a grenade’s aftermath, leaving little room for optimism.

Schoen’s journey back began with surgery the following day and an extended hospital stay. Once home, his days were a sedentary haze, moving only with the help of crutches and, later, a scooter. While he watched from the sidelines, his team nearly made the Frozen Four—a stark reminder of what could have been had his season not been cut short.

The Grueling Path to Recovery

Rehabilitation was no walk in the park. Day after day, Schoen worked with Penn State’s dedicated athletic staff, including Assistant Director of Athletic Performance Kristina “KJ” Jeffries and Athletic Trainer Karlie Tronolone. Underwater treadmills helped him rebuild strength, while resistance bands slowly reawakened muscles that had atrophied. Progress was frustratingly slow, often punctuated by surgeries to remove bone fragments as his movement increased.

But even on his worst days, when doubt crept in and frustration peaked, Schoen had unwavering support. “Karlie never quit on me,” he recalls. “She always said, ‘I know I’m going to see you play again.’” That encouragement, coupled with Schoen’s innate determination, kept him moving forward.

Back on the Ice, But Not Quite the Same

Once Schoen was ready to skate again, even the smallest details felt like mountains. Equipment manager Ben Kogut had to customize Schoen’s skate boot to accommodate his swollen foot and surgical scars. Early strides were painful and unfamiliar. “My stride felt different,” Schoen admits. “It was a lot of negative thoughts: ‘This is bad. It still hurts.’”

Yet over time, Schoen adapted, retraining his body to move with its new limitations. After a summer spent in State College honing his mechanics and regaining strength, Schoen returned to the ice for Penn State’s season opener against Alaska. The wait was over.

A Moment Worth the Wait

The highlight of Schoen’s comeback came against Quinnipiac when he scored his first goal in nearly two years. His celebration—ripping the proverbial monkey off his back—captured the catharsis of the moment. “To score that felt unbelievable,” he says. “It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky saw the transformation in Schoen—not just physically, but mentally. “He’s mentally tougher and a more complete player now,” Gadowsky observes. “That injury forced him to analyze the game in ways he never had before, and he’s applying that now.”

Paying It Forward

Schoen’s journey has instilled in him a newfound appreciation for every practice, every game, and every locker room laugh. He often reminds his younger teammates to savor it all. “Enjoy every moment,” he urges. “You never know when it will be taken away.”

With the 2023-24 season serving as a red-shirt year, Schoen has an additional year of eligibility. While the future is bright, his focus remains firmly on the present: helping the Nittany Lions chase their dream of a national championship.

The Heart of a Warrior

For Schoen, hockey is more than a game—it’s his life. And for those who know him, like teammate and alternate captain Danny Dzhaniyev, there was never any doubt he’d make it back. “As bad as the injury was, he’s a warrior,” Dzhaniyev says. “Hockey is who he is, and he wasn’t going to let one injury define him.”

Ben Schoen’s story isn’t just about a comeback; it’s a testament to resilience, grit, and the power of perseverance. From the depths of despair to the heights of triumph, he’s shown that even the worst setbacks can become fuel for greatness.