June 27, 2017
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Recent graduate Ricky DeRosa (Aston, Pa.) will play his 2017-18 season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits becoming the fourth Nittany Lion to ink a professional deal this offseason as announced by Greenville earlier Tuesday afternoon.
DeRosa joins classmates Zach Saar, who inked a professional contract with the San Diego Gulls, and most recently David Goodwin and Dylan Richard who will both play overseas in 2017-18.
"I'm very eager to begin my professional career and want to thank all the individuals at Penn State for their support and guidance," commented DeRosa. "Penn State played a major role in my development as a person and hockey player, which has put me in the best position possible for future success on and off of the ice."
The Swamp Rabbits are the ECHL affiliate of the Hartford Wolfpack of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
DeRosa, who served as alternate captain in 2016-17, had career-highs in points (13) and assists (9) in 38 games played. The gritty forward finished his career playing in 139 games, the second most in program history. DeRosa notched 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points throughout his career.
Former Nittany Lion goaltender P.J. Musico also began his professional career in Greenville in 2015-16 and started the 2016-17 season with the Swamp Rabbits before finishing with the Tulsa Oilers.
Greenville opens their 2017-18 slate at home against the Wheeling Nailers on October 13 at 7 p.m.