(Image credit: Vernon Vipers)

By Pete McIntyre

college commitment

Youngest Vernon Viper to join Nittany Lions

Jan 30, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The youngest player on this year’s Vernon Vipers team will be suiting up for a well-known U.S. university once he’s finished his BC Hockey League career.

Forward Shea Busch, who is 16, has committed to Penn State University.

“I am grateful and proud for this incredible opportunity to one day play for Penn State,” Busch told VernonVipers.com. “I’d like to say thank you to my family and everyone who has supported me along the way. A special thanks to the Vernon Vipers family for believing in me.”

The North Vancouver product has had a memorable first season in the BCHL despite his tender age. He has 6 goals and 9 assists in 36 games, and has impressed the coaching staff.

“Shea had a tremendous off season and set himself up to have success in the BCHL through his hard work and dedication,” Vipers head coach and GM Jason McKee said. “Shea is such a great kid and deserving of this prestigious opportunity. The whole organization is extremely proud to make this announcement. Our staff looks forward to continuing to develop Shea into one of the premiere forwards in our league over the next few years.”

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The Penn State Nittany Lions are an NCAA Division 1 program that plays out of the Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, Pennsylvania. They made an appearance in the NCAA national tournament last season.

The university has one of the most successful overall athletic programs in the U.S., with its teams winning 81 national collegiate championships since the university’s founding.