Edina Senior Sarah Nielsen Commits to Play Hockey at Penn State

Edina senior Sarah Nielsen's hockey career will continue long after her last year with the Hornets, as the girls hockey standout signed to play at Penn State next fall.

Nielsen, who still has one final shot at helping Edina's girls hockey team score an illusive state title this season, was one of 11 EHS seniors who officially committed to play in college on National Letter of Intent Signing Day, Wednesday, Nov. 14.

After visiting University Park earlier this year, Nielsen said she had a positive impression of both the community and university.

"I fell in love with Penn State because of the coaching staff, their team-first philosophy and type of hockey tradition they’re trying to build," Nielsen said. "I also loved the beautiful campus and college town feel."

The left-handed forward's grandfather, Dave Nielsen, graduated from Penn State back in 1974. Nielsen plans to major in nutritional sciences, with a goal of pursuing sports nutrition and personal training upon graduation from college.

Nielsen had 14 goals and 30 assists for the Hornets last season, 17 goals and 33 assists for the team in 2010-11 and managed 13 goals and 19 assists as a freshman.

Women's Hockey Head Coach Josh Brandwene said he expects the team's four new recruits to "make immediate and long-term impacts on our program."

"Sarah is a fantastic two-way forward with an outstanding hockey IQ, and impressive maturity and poise," Brandwene said. "She has skill, strength, a positive attitude and tremendous work ethic. Sarah will be a difference-maker for us at both ends of the ice."

Nielsen is one of three Minnesota hockey studs to sign with Penn State for next fall, including Minnetonka rivals Laura Bowman and Amy Petersen.

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