PHILADELPHIA, Pa.–Union College men’s hockey senior forward Mike Vecchione has signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Vecchione joins former teammate Shayne Gostisbehere in the Flyers organization. The announcement was made today by Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall.
“It has been an exciting week for Union hockey,” head coach Rick Bennett said. “Our program is proud to see Mike Vecchione sign with the Philadelphia Flyers. He is one of the finest student-athletes ever to represent Union College and the men’s hockey team. He leaves the all-time leading scorer, and that is a tremendous accomplishment, but he also leaves graduating early which speaks to his character as a student-athlete. He was a two-year captain that always put the team first, and that quality will sorely be missed. Our staff is grateful for Mike’s four-year commitment to Union hockey. We wish him all the best in his professional hockey career.
A candidate for the Hobey Baker Award, Vecchione recently completed the requirements for his bachelor’s degree and will participate in in the College’s commencement ceremony in June with his 2017 graduating class.
A 2017 Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick finalist and the 2016-17 ECAC Hockey Player of the Year, Vecchione recently completed the requirements for his bachelor’s degree and will participate in in the College’s commencement ceremony in June with his 2017 graduating class.
The Saugs, Mass. native had the best statistical season in Union history, producing a program-best 29 goals and 63 points and becoming the first Dutchman with two career 50 point seasons. He finished tied for first in Division I in points, points per game (1.66) and game-winning goals (7) and led the nation with 21 multi-point games. He also ranked tied for second in shorthanded goals (4) and fourth in faceoff percentage (61.8).
Vecchione tied for the ECAC Hockey scoring title with 40 points, including a league-best 17 goals. He registered at least one point in 20 of 22 league games, leading the conference with five game-winning goals, including two in overtime, four shorthanded goals and a 60.2 faceoff percentage. He sat second in assists (23), multi-point games (12) and plus-minus ( 16).
The two-time captain was a three-time ECAC Hockey All-Academic team honoree and completed his career as the Union’s all-time leading scorer (176 points). His 71 career goals place him second in program history, while his 105 career assists place him second.
