In a rather abrupt announcement, the Penn State Women's Ice Hockey team has named Josh Brandwene as the new head coach. No word yet on if current coach Mo Stroemel will step down, or if this hire will be for the start of NCAA play in 2012-13. (Update: Steve Penstone is reporting on his Twitter that Mo will have a role with the women's varsity team.)

Brandwene is no stranger to Penn State. From 1987-91, he was a defenseman for the Penn State Icers, during which time he was named captain, helped win an ACHA Championship, and finish with 141 career points, which sits him 5th all-time for Icer defensemen. Since his graduation, he has coached three High School/Prep School teams, three ACHA men's teams (WVU, Delaware, and Michigan-Dearborn), held the position of ACHA president from 1997-2004, and been elected to 3 Hall of Fames (Penn State Icers, Delaware Ice Hockey, and ACHA).

He easily has the qualifications and Penn State background to fit into the position perfectly. Welcome (back), Josh Brandwene!