BURLINGTON, Vt. –UVM alternate captain Philip Lagunov has signed a professional tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Tucson Roadrunners. Tucson is the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. Lagunov is expected to make his professional debut this weekend against the San Jose Barracuda.
 
"Phil Lagunov came to us as a grad transfer from UMass, when he was choosing the school where he would play his final college season, he had one request - he wanted to have an impact," said UVM Head Coach Todd Woodcroft. "Upon his arrival, Phil's presence was felt immediately. He has a warm attitude and an inclusive nature. Teammates are drawn to him regardless if they are first years or seniors and he has a way of making everyone feel like they are the most important person in the locker room.
 
"On the ice, Phil lead us in almost every category," continued Woodcroft. "He competed every shift and was on the ice during every circumstance. He is a selfless leader who demonstrated to our players the true mean of leadership - he knows that real leaders serve their teammates and work to create an environment where the team is the most important thing. We wish Phil all the luck in the world during his next step as a pro hockey player."
 
This season Lagunov was the Catamounts leading scorer with eight goals and eight assists for 16 points. Six of Lagunov's eight goals came in Hockey East play. He scored one game-winning goal for the Catamounts in a 5-4 win over No. 9 Boston College. In his collegiate career, he played in 164 games with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points. He won the 2021 NCAA Championship with UMass.
 
Handy Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the 2021-22 men's hockey season