Penn State Hires Guy Gadowsky to Lead Men’s Ice Hockey

Penn State has hired Guy Gadowsky, a former Princeton University coach, to lead its NCAA Division I men’s ice-hockey program, the university announced Sunday.

Gadowsky brings with him 15 years of head-coaching experience, according to a university news release. The Nittany Lions men’s team will begin NCAA Division I play in the 2012-13 season.

‘Guy is the perfect choice for Penn State,’ university President Graham Spanier said in the news release. ‘He has been immensely successful, is a great motivator, knows how to build programs and has strong academic values.’

Gadowsky has led men’s hockey at Princeton for the past seven years, Penn State reported. During that time, Princeton has seen a resurgence, including NCAA Championship berths in 2008 and 2009 and the ECAC Hockey Championship, Penn State noted.

A native of Canada, Gadowsky coached in Alaska before he began work at Princeton.

In the Penn State news release, he said this:

‘I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Penn State hockey during this transitional period and into Division I. I am truly honored to join Penn State and the spirit, pride, passion, class and professionalism found within its students, staff and alumni.’

The full Penn State news release is posted on this page. Links to earlier StateCollege.com coverage of Penn State ice hockey are posted below.

Earlier coverage

• Penn State Aims to Become National Model with Hockey Program, Spanier Says (Sept. 17, 2010)

• Battista Named to Lead Ice Arena, Hockey Fundraising, Penn State Announces (Sept. 20, 2010)

• Surprise Penn State Hockey Gift, Augusta National Trip Complete ‘Masterful’ Week (April 13, 2011)