UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion community officially welcomed Josh Brandwene to Happy Valley on Wednesday morning when Director of Athletics Tim Curley introduced him as the first head coach of the women's ice hockey team in the Bryce Jordan Center Media Room.

Brandwene brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience from the international, collegiate and prep school levels to Penn State.  The former Penn State Icer standout defender returns to Happy Valley after being a member on the 1990 ACHA National Championship.  He remarked at the press conference that he is thrilled to be back in Happy Valley and lead the first NCAA women's ice hockey team at Penn State.

The Hershey native and wife Leona, who is also a Penn State grad, met at the IM building on campus.  The two got engaged at center ice inside Penn State Ice Pavilion (Greenburg Indoor Sports Complex).

Prior to stepping in front of the media at the press conference, GoPSUsports.com caught up with Coach Brandwene for an exclusive first interview.  Take a look at our conversation.

Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony