Union's Mike Vecchione Returning to School

Union sophomore forward Mike Vecchione put together a strong second campaign, tying for the Dutchmen team lead in scoring with 50 points on 19 goals and 31 assists. That offensive production, combined with with his proficiency in the face-off circle and strong play on the defensive end put Vecchione on the radar of some NHL teams to potentially sign an NHL contract. We ranked Vecchione as the 95th-best NHL prospect in the NCAA this past season.

But Vecchione told Ken Schott of the Daily Gazette that he plans to return to Union for his junior season:

"I, obviously, had a pretty good season. But I have lot more to improve on in my game. I have a little unfinished business at Union. I don’t want to leave on this kind of note. I like to get the program back where it should be.
"Like I said, there’s a lot of stuff in my game that I need to improve on. Staying for the next couple of years will do me good. The coaching staff will help me improve. I already sat down with them, and I’m coming back next year."

Vecchione will be without co-leading scorer and Hobey Baker finalist Daniel Ciampini next season, after the senior graduated and signed an AHL contract with the Worcester Sharks, but Vecchione should still be one of the top players in the country next season.