Junior co-captain Torrey Mitchell of the Vermont men’s hockey team has signed a professional contract with the San Jose Sharks and will not return for his senior season. Mitchell and San Jose made the announcement today.
Mitchell will complete his junior year academically this spring. He plans to continue his education at UVM by taking summer and online courses to earn the remaining credits needed to finish his degree in the near future.
“This is an opportunity I could not pass up,” Mitchell said. “After consulting with my family, coaches and advisor this is the best decision for me. I want to thank my teammates, coaches and the University of Vermont for a great experience. It was a dream of mine to play college hockey and I was able to develop, as a student-athlete here at Vermont and it’s something I’ll cherish forever. Part of this decision also includes my intention of earning the remaining credits needed to complete my degree.”
“Torrey is the best two-way player I have coached to date,” Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon said. “His work ethic, competitiveness, and overall skill package makes him ready for the next level. We will certainly miss him next season, but we wish him the best of luck as he progresses toward playing in the National Hockey League. We are all very proud of him.”
“When Torrey and I discussed this opportunity, I asked him to promise me one thing – he has to finish his education from UVM,” Sneddon added. “Torrey made the decision to go the college route versus Major Junior in order to obtain a valuable college degree. It’s important to his family, it’s important to me, and it is very important to Torrey that he finish what he started.”
Mitchell was named an Honorable Mention Hockey East All-Star this past season. He finished the year with 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points to lead Vermont in scoring. His 35 points ranked 14th best in Hockey East and his 23 assists were seventh best.
Mitchell finished his career with 35 goals and 70 assists for 105 points in 110 games to rank tied for 35th on UVM’s all-time scoring list.
As a sophomore during the 2005-06 season he was named an Honorable Mention Hockey East All-Star and as a freshman he was named to the ECAC All- Rookie Team.
Mitchell was a fourth-round pick (126 overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He will report to San Jose’s AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks this week.
