When goalkeeper Drew Adams -- a three-time honorable mention All American who wrapped up his career with the most saves in Penn State history -- graduated after the 2009 season, the Nittany Lions thought they had found his successor in Steven Rastivo, a highly-touted recruit who red-shirted his freshman year.

Those thoughts evaporated, however, when Rastivo transferred to North Carolina during the offseason. According to Penn State coach Glenn Thiel, Rastivo left the program without giving the coaching staff a chance to retain him.

"We got caught thinking Steve was the guy, and then he left us," Thiel said.

Rastivo's departure leaves the Nittany Lions without a clear starter in the net. Junior John Nichols would appear to be the leading candidate as he backed up Adams for two seasons, but freshman Dave Baker could challenge Nichols for the spot.

"A lot's going to ride on the goaltending," Thiel said of the upcoming season. "They're going to have to step up. ... We've just got to weather the storm."