© Copyright 2025 Megan Miller Photography

PHOTO STORY | "Feels like you're flying"

January 30th, 2025

Max Malec has been coming to Penn State since he was a kid. On Sunday, he took the ice at Pegula Ice Arena for the third time in the Sled Hockey Classic.

The 3rd annual Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and the Penn State men’s hockey team was set to begin on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2025 in University Park, Pa. Penn State senior forward Dylan Lugris (16) founded the Sled Hockey Classic to raise money for the Coyotes’ sled hockey program, increase membership and fund equipment. 

This year, the classic had a stronger meaning for Malec, 18, from Roaring Brook Township, Pa., because, before he took the ice, he signed his commitment to Penn State’s Adaptive Athletics program. 

“Penn State has been in my life, ever since I was in diapers, you know, straight out of the womb,” Malec said.

Malec was born with spina bifida, a condition that paralyzes him from the waist down. He’s been playing sled hockey since he was 11. 

Collegian Gallery
Malec looks over the ice from above the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. He was 11 years old when he first tried sled hockey. “It was unbelievable ‘cause it’s so freeing, you get out of your wheelchair and, for people who are amputees, you get free of your prosthetics, and it feels like you’re flying when you’re skating. It’s an unbelievable feeling, especially for the first time,” Malec said. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec looks over the ice from above the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. He was 11 years old when he first tried sled hockey. “It was unbelievable ‘cause it’s so freeing, you get out of your wheelchair and, for people who are amputees, you get free of your prosthetics, and it feels like you’re flying when you’re skating. It’s an unbelievable feeling, especially for the first time,” Malec said.
Malec catches up with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team ahead of his signing ceremony before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec catches up with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team ahead of his signing ceremony before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Malec signs his commitment to the Penn State Adaptive Athletics program before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.“It’s been a school I’ve always dreamt of going to ever since I was a little kid,” Malec said. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec signs his commitment to the Penn State Adaptive Athletics program before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.“It’s been a school I’ve always dreamt of going to ever since I was a little kid,” Malec said.
Malec poses for a photo with the members of the Penn State men’s hockey team before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec poses for a photo with the members of the Penn State men’s hockey team before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Malec shakes hands with Penn State men’s hockey head coach Guy Gadowsky after signing his commitment before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec shakes hands with Penn State men’s hockey head coach Guy Gadowsky after signing his commitment before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Sled hockey equipment leans against the wall of the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Sled hockey equipment leans against the wall of the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Mike Malec, Max’s father, helps Max get into his sled before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “My dad went to Penn State Harrisburg, he was an athlete and played football so he introduced me to Penn State football,” Malec said. “Seeing Beaver Stadium, a White Out, the crowd and the overall atmosphere at such a young age, you’re kinda hooked.” - Megan Miller Photography
Mike Malec, Max’s father, helps Max get into his sled before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “My dad went to Penn State Harrisburg, he was an athlete and played football so he introduced me to Penn State football,” Malec said. “Seeing Beaver Stadium, a White Out, the crowd and the overall atmosphere at such a young age, you’re kinda hooked.”
Malec fastens the straps on his gear before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. Malec enjoys listening to music before games but once he gets to the locker room, he likes to be sociable and talk with his teammates. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec fastens the straps on his gear before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. Malec enjoys listening to music before games but once he gets to the locker room, he likes to be sociable and talk with his teammates.
Malec does a faceoff during the first game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes’ teams on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec does a faceoff during the first game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes’ teams on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2.
Malec controls the puck on the ice during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec controls the puck on the ice during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2.
Malec skates during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and the Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “When I started watching sled hockey highlights, I immediately found my favorite player, Declan Farmer. He wears 16 so when I started playing, that’s the number I went with,” said Malec. He’s worn 16 ever since. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec skates during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and the Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “When I started watching sled hockey highlights, I immediately found my favorite player, Declan Farmer. He wears 16 so when I started playing, that’s the number I went with,” said Malec. He’s worn 16 ever since.
Malec steals the puck from Penn State men’s hockey forward Tyler Paquette (23) during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec steals the puck from Penn State men’s hockey forward Tyler Paquette (23) during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2.
Malec shakes hands with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team after the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. “Being able to get involved with the sled hockey program here and now, being friends with those guys on that men’s team and call them my friends,” Malec said, “it’s an honor, it’s a blessing and I’m super fortunate and I wouldn’t change it for the world. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec shakes hands with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team after the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. “Being able to get involved with the sled hockey program here and now, being friends with those guys on that men’s team and call them my friends,” Malec said, “it’s an honor, it’s a blessing and I’m super fortunate and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Malec skates to the glass where fans and the Roar Zone, the Penn State hockey student section, cheer after the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec skates to the glass where fans and the Roar Zone, the Penn State hockey student section, cheer after the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2.
Members of the State College Coyotes and The Penn State men’s hockey team pose for a group photo following the announcement of total money raised for the Coyotes’ sled hockey program. Senior forward Dylan Lugris (16) announced the team had raised over $18,000 towards the cause this year, bringing the total amount raised to over $50,000 since its inception. - Megan Miller Photography
Members of the State College Coyotes and The Penn State men’s hockey team pose for a group photo following the announcement of total money raised for the Coyotes’ sled hockey program. Senior forward Dylan Lugris (16) announced the team had raised over $18,000 towards the cause this year, bringing the total amount raised to over $50,000 since its inception.
Malec looks over the ice from above the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. He was 11 years old when he first tried sled hockey. “It was unbelievable ‘cause it’s so freeing, you get out of your wheelchair and, for people who are amputees, you get free of your prosthetics, and it feels like you’re flying when you’re skating. It’s an unbelievable feeling, especially for the first time,” Malec said. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec catches up with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team ahead of his signing ceremony before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec signs his commitment to the Penn State Adaptive Athletics program before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa.“It’s been a school I’ve always dreamt of going to ever since I was a little kid,” Malec said. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec poses for a photo with the members of the Penn State men’s hockey team before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec shakes hands with Penn State men’s hockey head coach Guy Gadowsky after signing his commitment before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Sled hockey equipment leans against the wall of the rink before the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. - Megan Miller Photography
Mike Malec, Max’s father, helps Max get into his sled before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “My dad went to Penn State Harrisburg, he was an athlete and played football so he introduced me to Penn State football,” Malec said. “Seeing Beaver Stadium, a White Out, the crowd and the overall atmosphere at such a young age, you’re kinda hooked.” - Megan Miller Photography
Malec fastens the straps on his gear before warmups at the Sled Hockey Classic at Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. Malec enjoys listening to music before games but once he gets to the locker room, he likes to be sociable and talk with his teammates. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec does a faceoff during the first game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes’ teams on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec controls the puck on the ice during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec skates during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and the Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. “When I started watching sled hockey highlights, I immediately found my favorite player, Declan Farmer. He wears 16 so when I started playing, that’s the number I went with,” said Malec. He’s worn 16 ever since. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec steals the puck from Penn State men’s hockey forward Tyler Paquette (23) during the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec shakes hands with members of the Penn State men’s hockey team after the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. “Being able to get involved with the sled hockey program here and now, being friends with those guys on that men’s team and call them my friends,” Malec said, “it’s an honor, it’s a blessing and I’m super fortunate and I wouldn’t change it for the world. - Megan Miller Photography
Malec skates to the glass where fans and the Roar Zone, the Penn State hockey student section, cheer after the second game of the Sled Hockey Classic between the State College Coyotes and Penn State men’s hockey team on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Coyotes beat the Nittany Lions 3-2. - Megan Miller Photography
Members of the State College Coyotes and The Penn State men’s hockey team pose for a group photo following the announcement of total money raised for the Coyotes’ sled hockey program. Senior forward Dylan Lugris (16) announced the team had raised over $18,000 towards the cause this year, bringing the total amount raised to over $50,000 since its inception. - Megan Miller Photography

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