John Nichols Class: Sophomore Hometown: Myersville, Md. High School: Middletown Height / Weight: 6-2 / 196 Position: G Experience: SO

Sophomore John Nichols, who made the squad last year as a walk-on, heads into his second season at Penn State looking to continue his growth in goal. The Maryland native saw limited action behind All-ECAC goalie Drew Adams last year and will be counted on to add depth in the net this season.

LION CAREER:
2009: Nichols played in three games last year, seeing time in nearly seven minutes. He had four saves and two goals against and posted a .667 save percentage.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL:
Nichols earned all-league laurels for four straight seasons as the starting goalie for Middletown High School. Also earning All-Area and All-Gazette laurels three times, he was named Defensive Player of the Year and earned team MVP honors twice. He led MHS to three league crowns and was team captain as a senior. He also lettered in football and was a High Honors student. Nichols is the son of Scott and Donna Nichols. He has one brother, Chris (who plays football at Army) and two sisters, JoJo and Emma. Nichols is currently an IST major at Penn State.

COACHES VIEW:
"John was given the back up role, and will keep improving to be ready to replace Drew as needed this spring. John's good size can make it difficult for shooters, and he is adjusting to the shooters in college" - Coach Thiel