Penn State Hockey Players In The Nhl
Penn State men's ice hockey team has been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA. Over the past few years, they have produced some outstanding players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top Penn State hockey players in the NHL.
1. Cole Hults
Cole Hults was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 5th round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. After spending the 2019-2020 season with the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Kings, he made his NHL debut on April 14, 2021. Hults is a solid defenseman who is known for his puck-moving abilities and strong defensive play.
2. Denis Smirnov
Denis Smirnov was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. He has spent most of his time in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles but made his NHL debut on March 7, 2020. Smirnov is a skilled forward with excellent puck-handling abilities and a good scoring touch. He is known for his speed and ability to create scoring opportunities.
3. Nate Sucese
Nate Sucese was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2020. He has yet to make his NHL debut but has been playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sucese was a standout player for Penn State, scoring 116 points in 136 games. He is a talented forward with good offensive instincts and a good work ethic.
4. Andrew Sturtz
Andrew Sturtz was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Ottawa Senators in 2018. He has yet to make his NHL debut but has been playing for the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. Sturtz was a standout player for Penn State, scoring 115 points in 136 games. He is a skilled forward with a good scoring touch and a strong work ethic.
5. Liam Folkes
Liam Folkes was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Coyotes in 2020. He has yet to make his NHL debut but has been playing for the Tucson Roadrunners, the AHL affiliate of the Coyotes. Folkes was a standout player for Penn State, scoring 102 points in 138 games. He is a skilled forward with a good scoring touch and excellent speed.
6. Alec Marsh
Alec Marsh was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. He has yet to make his NHL debut but has been playing for the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Maple Leafs. Marsh was a solid player for Penn State, scoring 50 points in 135 games. He is a hardworking forward who is known for his physical play and strong defensive abilities.
Conclusion
Penn State has produced some outstanding hockey players who have gone on to play in the NHL. These players are a testament to the strength of the Penn State men's ice hockey program and the quality of the coaching staff. It is clear that Penn State will continue to produce talented hockey players who will go on to have successful careers in the NHL.
