At roughly 2 a.m. on March 31, Charlie Cerrato emotionally exited the team bus in front of Pegula Ice Arena. Fans packed the premises, cheering on a Penn State team that just defeated UConn to advance to the program’s first Frozen Four.
As fans clamored with each ongoing second, Cerrato walked around, hugged his teammates and took pictures with those wearing blue and white.
The NCAA Regional Championship trophy passed around from player to player, but once it reached Cerrato’s fingertips, he let out a yell: “CHAMPS.”
Just hours before, a dead-silent PPL Center turned deafening. A large part of that was thanks to Cerrato, who officially entered the national spotlight with a behind-the-back assist to linemate Matt DiMarsico. The play sent the arena into a frenzy, but it also caught the eye of scouts all around the country.
Now, Cerrato is heading into his third and final year of draft eligibility, but this time his lifelong dream will most likely come true.
Forward Charlie Cerrato (15) holds the NCAA trophy during a celebration for the Penn State men’s hockey team at Pegula Ice Arena on Monday, March 31, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Samantha Oropeza
Metrics
Age: 20
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195 lbs
Shoots: L
Position: Center
Projected round drafted: 4th round
Player comparison: Ryan Poehling (ANA)
Scouting report
The scouting report on Cerrato is clear. He’s a high-IQ, 200-foot and pass-first player. Cerrato flashes his two-way game often with his stout defense and quick ability to generate offense. He’s primarily a rush attacker who thrives in fast-paced matchups, but also plays like the game is happening in slow motion by consistently making passes with precision.
The Maryland native is strong along the boards and is not afraid to get physical. He has a football background which he utilizes while on the ice that’s been emphasized by his former USHL coach Ryan Ward who said he is a “football player wearing hockey equipment.”
The upcoming sophomore has battled adversity his entire life, from enduring hour-long commutes multiple times a week for practice to going undrafted in his first two years of eligibility. Thus, the 20-year-old credits his strong work ethic as one of his most valuable traits.
Forward Charlie Cerrato (15) battles for the puck in a face-off during the Penn State men’s hockey game against Minnesota in Pegula Ice Arena on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Gophers beat the Nittany Lions 5-3.
Samantha Oropeza
He finished off his 2024-25 season dominating the opposition, finishing with two points or more in six of his final nine contests. The constant success in his freshman season led to recognition as he was announced on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Additionally, Cerrato concluded his first year as a Nittany Lion ranking top three nationally among freshmen in points with 42, assists with 27 and goals with 15.
The knocks on Cerrato are that he’s an average finisher and does not have a dynamic offensive quality. While he is a strong playmaker, he has a lot of room to develop with his shot.
Best team fit: Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have been looking for years for a strong two-way center to add to their roster through the draft. With a farm system that is not particularly strong down the middle, Cerrato could be a great fit.
The Flyers forward group as a whole lacks physicality, and that’s what Cerrato brings to the table. Cerrato has mentioned he’s “never afraid to go to the hard areas” and “never scared of hitting guys that are bigger than (him),” making the two an ideal match.
It is expected for the Flyers to select a center with the sixth overall pick this year, but whether general manager Danny Brière pulls the trigger for a top-line center early in the draft or not, Cerrato entering the Flyers pipeline is a real possibility.
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