So far, Guy Gadowsky has gone about building his future roster through recruiting, but he’s also adding players that have experience at other college programs.

Former St. Cloud State forward Bryce Johnson will be attending Penn State in the fall.

Luckily, even though Johnson is transferring between Division I schools, the 5-foot-9 forward will be able to play this upcoming season of club hockey and have it count as his ‘sit out’ year – making him eligible for Division I play when it starts in 2012-13.

“Its really nice because other kids who transfer between Division I schools have to sit out a year, and yeah I’ll be playing club hockey but I won’t have to miss any games and that can only benefit me,” said Johnson. “As a player you can get better in practice, but the game situations are where I feel you improve the most and I’ll be able to do that this upcoming year.”

After getting playing time in just three games this past fall at St. Cloud State, the Grimes, Iowa native turned to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL starting on New Year’s Eve.

“Omaha was great, I played in every game there, it was nice to play in the USHL,” he said.

In 37 contests with the Lancers, Johnson netted 8 goals and dished 16 assists, good for 24 points and sixth place on his team – in spite of the fact he played 23 fewer games than his teammates.

Undersized at 165 pounds, Johnson is looking to improve his physical game on and off the ice this upcoming season. On the flip side, the center sees himself as someone who can set up his teammates very well.

“I'm a smaller player, so I'm more of a finesse, skill player, getting goals and assists,” said Johnson of his game. “Playmaker is probably the best word for me, I've got some good vision on the ice and I like to find the open man.”

Before committing to St. Cloud in 2010, Gadowsky was recruiting Johnson to play at Princeton, making his pitch to come play at Penn State that much easier.

“I'm really excited to be a part of something new, and have the opportunity to prove people wrong. Being able to work hard, play hockey, and be a part of the Penn State community is something I'm really looking forward to.”