SAUGUS — Saugus native Mike Vecchione has found a new professional hockey home, as it was announced on Thursday that the Washington Capitals have signed the former Malden Catholic star to a one-year, two-way contract. The announcement was made by Washington’s senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan.
Vecchione, 28, recorded 10 points (7 goals, 3 assists) in 18 games with the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles last season, tying for the third-most goals on the team. As a member of the San Antonio Rampage in 2019-20, Vecchione led the club in goals, potting a career-best 21 tallies. His six power play goals that season ranked second on the team.
The 5-foot-10, 194-pound forward entered the 2020-21 season with three consecutive AHL seasons with at least 36 points, including a career high of 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) as a member of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the 2017-18 season.
The Malden Catholic grad originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers on March 31, 2017, following four seasons at Union College, where he recorded 176 points (71 goals, 105 assists) in 149 career games. He additionally served as team captain for his junior and senior seasons. Vecchione won an NCAA national championship in 2014 and, during his senior season in 2016-17, Vecchione led the nation in scoring with 63 points (29 goals, 34 assists), was a Hobey Baker Award finalist and earned First Team All-American honors.
In his time at Malden Catholic, Vecchione scored nearly 150 career points in three seasons while also helping lead the Lancers to a Division 1A “Super 8” state title in 2010 as team captain. He was drafted by the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League in 2010, playing there for two seasons before committing to Union College.
Vecchione has appeared in two career NHL games, both with the Flyers in the 2016-17 season. He also made several appearances for the St. Louis Blues during their 2019 training camp before getting sent down to the AHL level.
In 211 career AHL games between Lehigh Valley, San Antonio and Colorado, Vecchione has recorded 124 points (60 goals, 64 assists).
