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Philadelphia Flyers Sign Top College Free Agent Mike Vecchione

ByJoel|
Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Union Dutchmen forward Micke Vecchione (21) celebrates his goal against the Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) during the third period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Union defeated Boston College, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Union Dutchmen forward Micke Vecchione (21) celebrates his goal against the Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) during the third period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Union defeated Boston College, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed top College Free Agent Mike Vecchione.

The Union College star and the Hockey News top college free agent will sign with the Philadelphia Flyers after his college career ended last Saturday night in a crushing 10-3 defeat to Penn State.

"Vecchione’s deal is worth $925,000 (pro-rated), plus a signing bonus. The contract is just for one year because of his age, and he will become a restricted free agent after this season.-Sam Carchidi Philly.com"

Mike Vecchione will be exempt from the NHL’s expansion draft this summer and will resign with Philadelphia following the end of this season.

Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers

Vecchione and Philadelphia have been rumored to be interested in each other for some time. The Center attended the Flyers development camp and even turned down a pro contract from General Manager, Ron Hextall, to return to Union and finish his collegiate career and degree. The 24-year-old forward said it didn’t feel right to leave early as he had unfinished business at Union.

Shayne Gostisbehere and Mike Vecchione, both Union alumni, are close friends. They spent one season together, and what a season it turned out to be. In their only year together, Union College won the National Championship. The two are still in communication, regularly texting back and forth.

"“He just told me he’s coming here and I’m pumped,” Gostisbehere said.“I couldn’t be happier. It’s a dream come true,” Vecchione said in a conference call with reporters on Friday afternoon.The decision was difficult, Vecchione said, “but in my gut, I wanted to go to Philly.”-Sam Carchidi Philly.com"

So what are the Flyers getting in Vecchione?

"The best of an OK free agent group. He has put up a ton of points for the Dutchmen. Versatility and smarts will allow him to shift to wing or bottom six roles at the pro level if the offense fails (Hockey News THN FW 49). A strong and speedy two-way transition winger who possesses the good puck and passing skills, and is equally adept at finishing plays as he is creating them. All-in-all, an offensively minded two-way winger that can produce strong numbers due to his patience and responsibility in all three zones. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)"

In four years with the Union College Dutchmen, Vecchione scored 71 goals, along with 104 assists, and 125 penalty minutes in 147 games played. Vecchione had an impressive season, to say the least, finishing second in the nation in goals scored, and tying for first in total points.

Vecchione makes a lot of sense for the Orange and Black. The Saugus, MA, native fits in with the Flyers impressive group of young prospects working their way into the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

At 24 years old, Vecchione would be the oldest of the forward prospects, but also a favorite to crack the Flyers roster next season.

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