WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Penn State men's ice hockey senior alternate captain Clayton Phillips (Edina, Minn.) inked an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) for the remainder of the 2021-22 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League on Monday morning. The Penguins are the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins who selected Phillips in the third-round (93rd overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
"Philli was an amazing asset to our program these past three seasons and all of Hockey Valley wishes him the very best and is excited to see him display his exceptional skills at the pro level," commented head coach Guy Gadowsky.
The Edina, Minnesota native appeared in 79 games with Penn State over the past three seasons after transferring from the University of Minnesota. Phillips had a career year this past season scoring five goals while adding seven assists for 12 points. In total, Phillips scored 10 goals with 18 assists for 28 points while donning the Blue & White. His 10 goals rank as the sixth-most by a Nittany Lion defenseman in program history while his 28 points fall just outside the top-10.
During his five years of collegiate hockey, Phillips skated in 123 total games scoring 11 goals while adding 27 assists for 38 points. His plus-11 rating this past season was the highest of his career and the first time in five seasons he finished the year with a positive plus/minus.
"My experience at Penn State has been nothing short of incredible. The culture and people within this program have helped me grow in many ways as a person and as a hockey player," mentioned Phillips. "I am forever grateful for my time here in Hockey Valley and will cherish the memories and friendships I've made for the rest of my life."
