BURLINGTON, Vt. – Junior defenseman Jake Massie has notified the Vermont coaching staff that he will be leaving the University to pursue opportunities in professional hockey.
 
The Saint-Lazare, Quebec native saw action in 30 games during the 2018-19 campaign. He registered nine points and blocked a team-high 41 shots. He was a 2015 sixth round draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes but the Chicago Blackhawks currently own his rights.
 
"After speaking with my advisor and family, I felt it was best to begin my professional career at this time," said Massie. "I am very close to attaining my degree and will finish this year. I met with Coach Sneddon last week so that he was the first to know. He has been supportive of my decision to chase my dream of playing in the NHL. We are currently figuring out the details and will disclose as soon as possible. I cannot thank UVM enough for the opportunities they have afforded me, the coaching staff helped develop me every day on and off the ice. They gave me a ton of responsibility and believed in me.  My teammates are amazing and that is the hardest part of leaving UVM, they are brothers for life! To the amazing fans of UVM, thank you for allowing me to play in one of the best atmospheres out there. Rest assured, better days are ahead for the program. The coaching staff and players will make it happen!"
 
"I want to congratulate Jake on pursuing his dream of playing in the NHL," said head coach Kevin Sneddon. "Jake handled things the right way by meeting with me a few weeks back. There are details that he is working through and more details will follow. Jake was an outstanding player to coach, and an even better person to work with.  We will miss him a ton, but I am very happy for him. I was pleased to hear his plan to graduate from UVM this year."