Chicago Blackhawks ReleaseCHICAGO - Vermont men's hockey senior captain
Mike Paliotta has signed a two-year contact with the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks. Paliotta, who was selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft with the 70th overall pick by the Blackhawks, will report to Chicago.
"We are so pleased for Michael and his family. He has been a big part of our recent success," said head coach
Kevin Sneddon. "A great captain, and more importantly, an even better person. We wish Michael the very best as he begins his career with Chicago. They have been a great organization to deal with throughout Michael's time at UVM."
Paliotta was named a Hockey East Second Team All-Star last week, becoming just the second Catamount to earn the honor since UVM joined Hockey East in 2005. The Westport, Connecticut native was also named to the All-Hockey East First Team by the Hockey East Writers and Broadcasters Association (HEWBA).
Paliotta led Vermont in scoring during the 2014-15 campaign with nine goals and 27 assists for a career-high 36 points. He became the first defenseman to lead UVM in scoring since Louis Cote nearly 40 years ago in 1977-78. Paliotta also led the team with a plus-15 rating and 151 shots on goal, the most by any Hockey East defenseman to rank fourth overall.
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The senior posted the most points (31) by any Hockey East defenseman in the regular season and finished sixth in the NCAA in defensive scoring. His five power play goals were tied for second on the squad. He closed his career by skating in 104 consecutive contests and missed just five games in his four years, tying a program-record with 41 games played this season.
The captain was honored as the Best Defensive Defenseman in Hockey East, becoming the first Catamount to win the award, and helped UVM secure the league's Charlie Holt Sportsmanship Award. During Hockey East games, Paliotta cut down his penalty minutes from 39 as a junior to only 14 as a senior.
Paliotta will join former Catamount forward Patrick Sharp '02 with the Blackhawks. Former UVM goaltender Andrew Allen '01 is the developmental goaltending coach for Chicago, and strength and conditioning coach Paul Goodman is the former head strength coach at Vermont.
