Andrew Sturtz Signs Entry-Level Deal With Ottawa Senators

One of the most decorated players in Penn State history has added another milestone to his resume. The team announced Wednesday afternoon that junior forward Andrew Sturtz will forgo his senior season to sign a two-year, entry-level deal with the Ottawa Senators.

The program’s all-time leader in goals just completed his most productive year with the Nittany Lions. While known more for his goal scoring prowess, Sturtz led the team with 26 assists and 40 points, the first time he hit the 40-point plateau with the Lions.

Sturtz set the program mark for goals earlier this season, passing Casey Bailey’s record of 44. He wraps up his Penn State career with a comfortable cushion at the top with 54 career tallies. Sturtz also joined former teammate David Goodwin as the second Nittany Lion to reach 100 career points.

“We are extremely proud of Sturtzy. He’s an honors student who’s going to graduate with his degree from Penn State and he’s signing an NHL contract,” coach Guy Gadowsky said via press release. “He made this program a heck of a lot better and he will always be an integral part of Hockey Valley.”

Sturtz will finish his bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management before joining the Senators organization for the 2018-19 season. He also joins a select group of Nittany Lions who have signed an NHL contract prior to completing their four years of eligibility. Just three others — Bailey (Toronto), Eamon McAdam (New York Islanders) and Vince Pedrie (New York Rangers) — have accomplished the feat.

“This is a childhood dream come true. Five or six years ago I didn’t even think I would be playing Division I hockey and then [assistant coach] Matt Lindsay found me in Carleton Place and brought me to Penn State,” Sturtz said. “Being a part of this university and hockey program has opened my eyes to something bigger. The hockey program here is certainly going in the right direction and I think I left it better than I found it.”