BURLINGTON, Vt. – UVM men's hockey forwards Ross Colton and Liam Coughlin have both turned down opportunities to sign professional contracts and will return to the Catamounts for the 2018-19 season.
 
"We were very pleased to hear that both Ross and Liam will return to UVM next season," said head coach Kevin Sneddon. "As underclassmen, this allows them to build upon the success they have had on the ice, further mature physically and mentally, and enhance their education."
 
Colton heads into his junior campaign with exactly 50 career points in just 69 NCAA games. A fourth round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 NHL Draft, Colton earned 2018 Hockey East All-Star Honorable Mention honors, becoming the first Catamount to receive the accolade since defenseman Mike Paliotta in 2014.

"For Ross, as a sophomore and proven goal scorer at the collegiate level, it was a very tough decision and I am very proud of him," said Sneddon. "I believe this will allow him the best chance at having a lengthy career in the NHL."
 
The New Jersey native posted career-highs in goals (16), power play goals (8), points (23), and shots on goal (140) this season to lead UVM's offense. Colton closed the Catamounts' season tied for fifth in Hockey East in total goals, eclipsing his team-high rookie total of 12 from 2016-17. 

Originally a fifth round selection by the Edmonton Oilers in 2014, Coughlin's NHL rights were traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. The South Boston native also registered new career-highs in goals (6), assists (10), and points (16) with Vermont this season as a junior.

"For Liam, this decision allows him to earn his degree while building upon a great second half of his junior year," added Sneddon. "I am confident we will see both of these student-athletes have excellent performances next year and, ultimately, enjoy lengthy pro careers in the future."
 
Coughlin collected his first career hat trick on Jan. 20 at home against reigning Hockey East champion UMass Lowell. The rising senior picked up all but two of his 16 points in the second half of the season to rank second on the team and top-25 in Hockey East.

The Catamounts return 85% of their goals and 83% of their point scoring for the 2018-19 season, which will be Sneddon's 16th at the helm. 

Handy Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the men's hockey program