After notching four goals and two assists in Penn State’s inaugural D-1 hockey season, senior Justin Kirchhevel has decided to leave the hockey program due to personal reasons. He will return home to South Dakota and finish out his Penn State degree through online classes.

Kirchhevel started his hockey career at the University of Alaska Anchorage, but transferred to Penn State after his freshman year. In 2011-2012, Kirchhevel played for the Penn State club team where he tallied 56 points (19 G, 37 A). He joined the D-1 team his junior year, where he appeared in 16 games. He also scored the first shorthanded goal in program history, which took place against Air Force on November 9th of last year.

“Justin was a significant part of our program’s foundation and a consummate Nittany Lion on the ice, in the locker room and in the classroom,” said coach Guy Gadowski. “I want to thank him for all his contributions during his time at Penn State. Justin made this decision with his family’s best interests in mind. He will be missed, and we wish him well.”