NEWS

Burlington, VT- The 2019-2020 season wrapped up in mid-February for the University of Vermont ACHA men's hockey team. The Catamounts ended the year with a 6-15-2 record overall and a 2-7-0 record in the West Division of the NECHA Patriot Conference. The graduating class of 2020 included forwards Jack Levinsky (Burlington, VT), Harrison Naylor (Toronto, ONT), Beck Heil (Mars, PA), and Cam Giroux (Chazy, NY), defensemen Kyle Ehler-Vock (South Burlington, VT), Tom Pawlitschek (Cumberland, RI) and Will Danz (Ramsey, NJ), and goaltender Andrew Ehler (Hingham, MA).

After a strong first month saw UVM begin the season with a 3-2-2 record, with wins over Providence College, UAlbany, and Bryant, Vermont played .500 hockey until the beginning of November. Between November 3, 2019 and January 25, 2020, UVM was winless, going 0-8-0 during the difficult stretch. The Catamounts rebounded with a 4-1 win over divisional foe Holy Cross on January 26, before ending the season with losses to Keene State and Norwich. The Catamounts finished the season ranked #20 in the ACHA D2 Northeast Region.

Several players for the Catamounts had strong statistical years. 5th-year player Harrison Naylor was UVM's lone player to average over a point per game; he scored 6 goals and notched 17 assists for 23 points in 20 GP. Senior captain Jack Levinsky was second in points, tallying 18. Sophomore assistant captain Joey Konvit (Allendale, NJ) finished tied for third, with 15 points. Two freshmen forwards, Trevor Davis (Kenmore, NY) and Tyler Bodette (Addison, VT) also scored 15. Junior defensemen Cole Garabed (Warwick, NY) was stellar after returning from a long-term injury, with 7 points in 8 GP. Beck Heil emerged as a goal-scorer for Vermont, leading the way with 9.

Junior goaltender Monty Cunningham (Pittsford, NY), another assistant captain for UVM, proved once again why he is arguably the best goaltender in NECHA. Despite seeing some of the most shots on goal in the conference, Cunningham turned in a .901 S% in 11 GP. Dana Marsh (Derby, VT) finished with a .891 S%, Eric Roy (Grand Isle, VT) with a .890, and Ehler turned in a .879.

COVID-19, the Spring Semester, and Recruiting

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ACHA season did not finish as the national tournament in Dallas, TX was cancelled. In accordance with state and federal guidelines and recommendations, the University of Vermont transitioned to virtual teaching and the Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for May 17, was cancelled. Prior to UVM students returning home for the semester, the men's hockey club held elections for the 2020-2021 officer staff. Rising senior forward Joshua Bonifacio (Traverse City, MI) was elected President, rising senior forward Spencer Schell (Scarsdale, NY) retained his position as Treasurer, rising junior defenseman Sam Pitonyak (Wynnewood, PA) was elected Head of Travel & Logistics, and rising junior goalie Eric Roy was named Head of Media & Marketing.

In accordance with the COVID-19 changes, UVM will not be able to do any on-campus recruiting. Typically, the club tables in Gutterson Fieldhouse during Admitted Student Visit Days (ASVs). Since this is no longer possible, prospective student-athletes should instead reach out to the officer staff directly. Contact information for Bonifacio and Schell can be found here. Additionally, it is advantageous for prospective players to fill out the recruiting form here.

Looking Ahead to 2020-2021

Despite the difficulties presented by coronavirus, the officer staff is still hard at work preparing for the 2020-2021 hockey season. To accommodate the lack of ice time and gym availability, next season is expected to begin in October, rather than our typical August/September kickoff. As of March 31, 2020, the ACHA is planning on a full 2020-2021 season with ACHA Nationals being held in Marlborough, MA in March of 2021.

During officer elections this spring, Head Coach Matthew Hopper informed the team that he will not be renewing his coaching contract. Since then, the outgoing and incoming officer staffs have been searching for candidates for the head coaching role. If you are interested in being considered, please fill out our application here.

The ACHA men's hockey team is excited for next season. Again, if you are an admitted UVM student interested in playing club hockey in college, please reach out!