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Penn State junior goaltender Eamon McAdam will forgo his senior season after signing an entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.
McAdam was the first-ever Nittany Lion player drafted when the Islanders chose him 70th overall in 2013. He will report to New York's AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, playing the rest of the season on an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO).
His three year deal begins in 2016-17.
"We are very proud of Eamon and his growth as a goaltender and a teammate," said head coach Guy Gadowsky in a statement released by the University. "He had a tremendous season and we will surely miss him, but we are very excited to watch his success with the Islanders. Eamon is also an excellent student and has assured us he will graduate. I know Eamon loves Penn State and he will always be a big part of our hockey program and the University."
Coming into college from Waterloo (where he made this save blindly on Michael Brodzinski) McAdam leaves following his best season at Penn State. Splitting time for much of the year with Matthew Skoff, McAdam finished with a career-best .913 save percentage, making 631 saves. The Nittany Lions averaged less than 3 goals (2.98) per game when he was on the ice.
Penn State relied on McAdam more as the season went on and injuries cut down the Nittany Lions blue line depth. He was the de-facto starter down the stretch although had to be pulled in four of his final six games.
His season came to an end Friday when Penn State lost to Michigan 7-2.
The Nittany Lions now have to replace both goaltenders in its goalie platoon next year, as Skoff graduated. Freshman Chris Funkey came into four games this season. Penn State also has current Lincoln Stars goaltender Peyton Jones, who is fourth in the USHL with a .921 save percentage, scheduled to come into Hockey Valley next season.
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Nathan Wells is a college hockey columnist for SB Nation mostly covering both the University of Minnesota and Big Ten. You can also follow him on Twitter -- Follow @gopherstate