Oh, Hello, Hockey Edition: Adam Pilewicz Commits to Penn State

One week ago, Penn State brought in a potential replacement for the recently-departed Vince Pedrie, who signed with the New York Rangers with two remaining years of eligibility. Thursday afternoon, the Nittany Lions began to build for the future, as well.

The 6-foot-1, 201-pound Pilewicz is expected to join the Lions as a 21-year-old freshman for the 2017-18 season and should bring a two-way threat to the blueline. He pronounces it ‘pill-wits’ or you can just call him Pill if it’s easier for you.

The Sewickly, PA native recorded 27 points and a plus-32 in 54 games with Johnstown of the North American Hockey League and has 43 points in 107 games with the Tomahawks over parts of three seasons.

Guy Gadowsky will lose Erik Autio and Trevor Hamilton following next season, but will return the stable Kevin Kerr and breakout star Kris Myllari. Cole Hults, Pedrie’s potential replacement, will also have a year of experience under his belt.

Pilewicz may have to battle for a spot on the top two pairings. James Gobetz established himself as a solid defenseman during his freshman season while Derian Hamilton could take a step forward after spending much of his first two seasons in the stands, entering the lineup when injuries struck.

He’s no stranger to Penn State, as the Pittsburgh-area product’s parents are each Penn State Alumni, his sister is a freshman at PSU and his brother Jake is a senior pitcher on the Nittany Lion baseball team.

Regardless of Pilewicz’s position in the Lions’ lineup, it is clear that Gadowsky has placed an emphasis on building a strong defense corps that could help carry the blue and white back to the NCAA Tournament and beyond.

There isn’t much quality video available of Adam but here is an interview with him two years ago. You can see that he was already very mature and also has his mind on the camaraderie that he forms with his teammates.

Welcome to Hockey Valley, Adam!