Eric Scheid Signs With The Florida Panthers AHL Affiliate Portland

Eric Scheid is the third Penn State hockey player to sign a contract to play minor-league hockey this week. Prior to Monday, the program had a total of three players that continued their careers after leaving Hockey Valley in its four-year division one history.

Scheid missed four games this season but was still able to finish with the second-most points on the team, posting 13 goals and 15 assists. Last season he had one more goal to finish with 14 goals and 15 assists for a total of 29 points. He finished tied for second on the team with 116 shot on goal this year. Like his scoring totals over the past two years, his play on the ice while with the Nittany Lions was extremely consistent.

Known for his gritty playing style and tough work in the corners, Scheid's speed is adequate to get a look at the next level. During his tenure with Penn State, the forward took many opponents by surprise with speed bursts that break pursuit angles and lead to scoring chances. His tactics tend to get rebound chances for teammates that follow the play, which is why his assist numbers are strong.

After playing one season with Alaska-Anchorage, the Blaine, Minnesota native transferred to Penn State for his final three years. His father, Jim, played hockey and baseball at Wisconsin before going on to become a well-known hockey coach in Minnesota. Sadly, the elder Scheid past away prior to the start of the hockey season on August 3, following a battle with lung cancer. Eric played this season wearing his father's former jersey number, 23, to honor him.

Scheid follows in the path of former Penn State basketball player Tim Frazier, who began his professional playing career in Portland, Maine with the Maine Red Claws. This news is great not only for Scheid, but also the Nittany Lions, who will gain further exposure with six total former players now playing minor-league hockey.