The student section of Pegula Ice Arena erupts with cheers as the Penn State Nittany Lions clinch another victory in the Big Ten. Amongst the celebration, one voice stands out above the rest. While some may not know his name, many Penn Staters instantly recognize this PSU Hockey Valley fan as the Blue Haired Hulk Hogan.
The Man Behind the Fame
Richard “Rich” Seifert has always had a passion for hockey. Originally from New York, and a New York Rangers fan, he moved into the State College area in 1990. Seifert was unaware that Penn State had a hockey team. Despite it only being considered a club sport at the time, he quickly became a dedicated fan with the help of friends. Eventually, when it was announced that Penn State was going D1, he was ready to cheer on the team. Seifert shares, “Since we’ve been D1, I have only missed one game.” Over the years, he has built relationships not only with fans, but with the team’s coaches and players as well. He is even on a first name basis with the head coach.
“Everything, I Just Love Hockey”
Many Penn Staters recognize this legend for his energy and passion that brings life to the games. Roar Zone President Austin Craig explains that, “His energy is unmatched.” Fans feed off his enthusiasm and often engage in chants with him. After Seifert leads the student section in the traditional “We Are” chant, students respond back by cheering “Hogan.” His infectious energy amplifies the atmosphere, making Pegula Ice Arena an electric environment in college hockey. Craig shares that there is a strong sense of community and “Hogan is at the forefront of that.”
Even though he is considered famous within the Penn State community, Seifert remains a humble fan and a supporter of the team. When asked about his favorite part of Penn State hockey, he says, “Everything, I just love hockey.” He even carries around personalized trading cards which he hands out at games. Currently, in the fourth edition, he is enthusiastic about sharing his Penn State hockey pride with others.
Tradition Himself
Seifert is more than a fan, he represents tradition. His game day outfit has remained unchanged since he first became a fan. Sporting a Penn State hockey jersey, his blue hair is what truly makes him stand out. Seifert shares that he originally used temporary dye. However, when consistently questioned about why his hair was not always blue, a friend helped him maintain the color year round.
Not only does his blue hair and passionate cheers receive notice, but he is also known for ripping open his jersey during games to reveal a shirt with a funny saying. After getting the detachable jersey from GoodWill and having a seamstress put velcro on it, he mimics Hulk Hogan ripping open his shirt and that is, “Where it started.” The crowd erupts with excitement when he does this, making it one of his many traditions performed during games.
Tradition is at the core of Penn State. Without the excitement this Blue Haired Hulk Hogan brings to every game, the energy would not be the same. His presence ensures that the spirit of Hockey Valley remains unmatched. Seifert will always be an essential part of Penn State hockey.
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