Sophomore goaltender Kevin Reidler signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators, according to a March 30 announcement from the club. Reidler will join the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate, on an Amateur Tryout Agreement for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. His NHL contract is set to begin in the 2026-27 season.
Reidler is now the 13th Penn State Nittany Lion in program history to sign an NHL contract. He joins a list of former teammates and alumni who have moved on to professional hockey after their time at Penn State.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky said, “Kev is a great goalie, great teammate, and a great person. Everyone loved having him in our program and we are all very happy and excited for him to sign with Ottawa. We wish him the very best and look forward to seeing his success.”
Reidler transferred from Nebraska-Omaha before being selected by Ottawa in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft (151st overall). This season he started 18 games for Penn State, finishing with an 11-7-0 record, a .901 save percentage, and a goals-against average of 3.31. He became only the sixth goaltender in school history to reach double-digit wins in one season; his eleven victories rank ninth all-time for single-season wins at Penn State.
In his collegiate career between Omaha and Penn State, Reidler appeared in 26 games with 23 starts. He posted a combined record of 15-8-0 along with a .906 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.29.
Reflecting on his experience at Penn State, Reidler said: “This year at Penn State has meant the world to me, not only as a hockey player but as a person. My time as a Nittany Lion has prepared me in the best possible way to take this next step in my career, and for that I will be forever grateful.”
He also thanked supporters: “To the fans, I want to thank you all for the endless support throughout the season. Penn state has the best fans in all of college hockey…Penn State will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Penn State finished its most recent season after falling to Minnesota-Duluth during regional semifinals play in Albany and ended with an overall record of 21-14-2.
