It looks like former Penn State defenseman Luke Juha’s Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers back in March worked out — He just signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders affiliated AHL team.

The once Hobey Baker nominee led all Penn State defensemen in scoring last season with 24 points in 33 games. It’s hard for a defender to shine on the offensive front without a trustworthy goalie, but Juha won’t have to worry about that in Bridgeport (as long as former teammate Eamon McAdam doesn’t get called up). McAdam, the goaltender we once suggested Penn State should name a building after, signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Islanders in March.

Juha’s career as a Nittany Lion included 15 goals, 45 assists, 181 blocked shots, and a lot of clutch factor. He netted the 2-2 equalizer against Michigan State with less than six minutes left, for example, then immediately put on a defense clinic for everyone watching with his 5-on-3 play.

Number four quietly improved each year at Penn State. The Islanders program is lucky to have the Juha-McAdam one-two punch, we only hope the Tigers’ announcer can yell “LUKE JUHA” half as good as Pegula announcer Brian Tripp.