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Trevor Hamiton’s career path in hockey was an unusual one. After leaving Miami (Ohio) early in his sophomore season, Hamilton returned to the USHL for two years before joining Penn State for his final two seasons of eligibility.
That strange path has paid off for Hamilton, whose career will continue in the American Hockey League.
Hamilton signed a one-year contract with his home-state Grand Rapids Griffins — the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings — for the 2018-19 season.
“Playing professional hockey is something I have always dreamed about and I know my family is very proud of me and I can not thank them enough for all the sacrifices they made for me throughout this journey,” Hamilton said in a press release. “These last two years at Penn State have been the best of my life. Without my teammates, the coaching staff and the extended staff I wouldn’t be where I am today and I am forever grateful that Penn State gave me this opportunity.”
In his two seasons at Penn State, Hamilton was one of the Nittany Lions’ top defenders. He finished second to Vince Pedrie among Lions defensemen in scoring in 2016-17 with 26 points before leading all Big Ten blueliners with 29 points in 2017-18.
Hamilton was equally effective on the defensive side of the puck, leading nation in blocked shots back-to-back years, with 107 in 2016-17 and 109 in 2017-18.
“Everything we hoped would be a possibility for Trevor happened during his two seasons in Hockey Valley,” coach Guy Gadowsky said via press release. “He became one of the best defensemen in program history in just two seasons and we are thrilled for him and his family on signing this contract and wish him the very best in the future.”
Hamilton is the second Nittany Lion to sign a professional contract in as many days, joining Andrew Sturtz, who inked a two-year, entry-level deal with the Ottawa Senators.