Incoming Defenseman Chooses Penn State

Press Release

The Penn State Division I hockey team is still more than a year away from playing its first game but the program continues to build its roster. It's a preparation that has included gathering commitments from a number of United States Hockey League players in recent weeks and it continues with the announcement that Des Moines Buccaneers' incoming defensemen Connor Varley will play his collegiate hockey at Penn State.

Varley was drafted by the Bucs in the fifth round of the May Entry Draft after spending last season with Alberni Valley of the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League. A native of Lansdale, PA, Varley checks in at 5'11, 195lbs.

"We're excited for Connor and the opportunity he's earned," said Bucs' head coach and general manager Regg Simon. "Penn State evaluated Connor at our try-out camp and with him being a Pennsylvania native, moved on him rightaway."

Penn State ended years of speculation and rumors in September 2010 by announcing plans to operate a varsity hockey program beginning with the 2012-2013 season. The program will play in a new Big 10 Conference which will include many traditional hockey powerhouses coming from the WCHA and CCHA.

The Des Moines Buccaneers' will open training camp for the 2011-2012 season in early September with the start of the regular season slated for the weekend of September 30-October 2. A full schedule will be released by the United States Hockey League upon its completion.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)