The Ottawa Senators made a move in NCAA free agency this afternoon, signing Penn State forward Andrew Sturtz.
Sturtz is coming off a strong third season with the Nittany Lions, where he racked up 40 points in 37 games including 3 shorthanded goals, which was tied for second in the NCAA. Sturtz, who played a couple season with the Carleton Place Canadians, leaves Penn State as their all-time leading goal scorer.
While at 5’8 he might be considered a little bit undersized, Sturtz is a talented, high-energy player that was extremely popular with Coaches, teammates and fans at Penn State. The Hockey News had him ranked as the 4th best NCAA free agent available.
He attended Development Camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer. Apparently Sturtz made an impression on Penguins Assistant GM Bill Guerin who said ““That kid is all in, all of the time. I haven’t seen too many kids play the game harder than him at the college level.”
The deal with Sturtz is a two year entry-level contract that will kick in next season.
Here’s a link to the official news release from the team.
Penn State’s all-time leading goal scorer, Andrew Sturtz, has signed a two-year, entry-level NHL contract with the @Senators! Thank you, Andrew for everything you’ve given this program over the last three years! #WeAre #AndyValley #Sens
Read ➡ https://t.co/V35Fx9OVgk pic.twitter.com/VkirfQD5o3
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 28, 2018
