A Legacy on Ice: The History of University of Vermont Hockey
The University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts boast a rich and storied hockey history, marked by impressive individual achievements, memorable team performances, and a consistent presence in the upper echelons of collegiate hockey. From their time in the ECAC to their current standing in Hockey East, the Catamounts have solidified their place as a respected program, developing numerous players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level.
Early Years and Program Development
The University of Vermont's ice hockey program has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by dedicated coaches, talented players, and unwavering fan support. The program's commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistent competitiveness and the accomplishments of its alumni.
Notable Players: Shaping the Catamount Legacy
The UVM hockey program has been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, producing players who have left an indelible mark on both the college and professional ranks. Among the most celebrated are:
- Martin St. Louis (1993-1997): Arguably the greatest hockey player to ever don a Catamount jersey, St. Louis holds the school record for career points with 267. A three-time All-American, St. Louis propelled the Catamounts to their only Frozen Four appearance in 1996, alongside teammates Eric Perrin and Tim Thomas. His illustrious professional career included leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup title in 2004, earning him the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's MVP, the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer, and the Lester B. Pearson Award.
- Tim Thomas (1993-1997): A standout goaltender, Thomas backstopped the Catamounts during their Frozen Four run in 1996. He went on to a remarkable NHL career, winning the Vezina Trophy twice (2009 and 2011) as the league's top goaltender and the Conn Smythe Trophy (2011) as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Thomas also holds the NHL record for best single season save percentage.
- John LeClair (1987-1991): Before the era of St. Louis and Thomas, LeClair set a high standard for UVM hockey players. A two-time Olympian and NHL All-Star, LeClair was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 after a 16-year NHL career where he scored 406 goals.
Team Achievements and Milestones
The Catamounts have experienced several periods of success, marked by conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and memorable victories.
- 1996 Frozen Four: The 1995-96 season stands as a watershed moment in UVM hockey history, as the team, led by St. Louis, Perrin, and Thomas, made its first and only appearance in the NCAA Tournament Frozen Four.
- Move to Hockey East: In 2005, the Catamounts transitioned from ECAC Hockey to Hockey East, joining one of the most competitive conferences in college hockey.
- 2009 NCAA Tournament: The men's ice hockey team appeared in the NCAA Tournament Frozen Four in 2009.
UVM's NHL Pipeline
The University of Vermont has consistently produced NHL talent, with 18 players reaching the highest level of professional hockey. Alumni who have hoisted the Stanley Cup include:
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- Martin St. Louis '97
- Eric Perrin '97
- Patrick Sharp '02
- Tim Thomas '97
- John LeClair '91
- Ross Colton '18
- Viktor Stålberg '09
Other notable UVM alumni who have played in the NHL include Viktor Stålberg '09 (New York Rangers), Torrey Mitchell '07 (Montreal Canadiens), Patrick Sharp '02 (Dallas Stars), Kevan Miller '11 (Boston Bruins), Connor Brickley '14 (Florida Panthers) and Michael Paliotta '15 (Chicago Blackhawks).
The Club Hockey Program
Beyond the NCAA Division I varsity team, the University of Vermont also boasts a competitive club hockey program that competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II. The UVM men's ice hockey club competes at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II level. Each season, UVM plays 20-25 regular season games against fellow college and university club teams from up and down the East Coast, competing for a spot in the ACHA D2 Northeast Regional Tournament, and ultimately, the ACHA D2 National Tournament. In addition to the ACHA, UVM is also a full member of the Northeast Collegiate Hockey Association (NECHA), a regional league comprised of Hockey East and other northeast region universities. Despite its club status, UVM Club Hockey is a serious commitment at the university. Student-athletes are expected to maintain strong academic standing while attending nearly all practices, games, and other team events (barring illness, academics, and/or other exceptions). Led by Head Coach Leon Lifschutz, UVM employs two professional coaches for the club hockey team. Away games are reached by coach bus; game attire is formal; maturity and performance are paramount. The majority of UVM club players, and NECHA players as a whole, were highly-competitive varsity high school and prep school hockey players, with many boasting AAA, Junior A, and even NCAA collegiate experience on their hockey resumes.
Program Traditions and Identity
The Catamounts' identity is closely tied to their mascot, the catamount, a fierce and elusive wild cat native to Vermont. The university's athletic teams embrace this symbol of strength and determination. The choices offered up by ballot were a tomcat, camel, cow, or catamount. For a brief time between 1968 and 1969 UVM had a live mascot named "Rink". Rink was a puma cub born in captivity at a Peoria, Illinois zoo and owned by avid hockey fans Nancy and Robert "Tiny" Leggett, of South Burlington, VT. A taxidermied catamount named Greta is kept on display in the UVM Dudley H. Davis Student Center, as of 2023.
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