Men's Hockey | 3/30/2016 12:46:00 PM
ROCHESTER, NY – Senior co-captains
Alexander Kuqali (Pittsburgh, PA/Sioux City Musketeers) and
Josh Mitchell (Osoyoos, British Columbia/Alberni Valley Bulldogs) of the RIT men's hockey team, signed professional contracts with the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) on Wednesday, March 30. Kuqali made his pro debut and scored the game-winning goal for Florida later in the evening.
Mitchell and Kuqali led the Tigers to their second consecutive Atlantic Hockey Championship and second straight NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2015-16. RIT finished 18-15-6 and advanced to the NCAA East Regional Semifinal, played on March 26.
Kuqali, a defenseman, is one of 10 finalists for the 2016 Senior CLASS Award and will serve as the commencement speaker for the Saunders College of Business at RIT. He played in all 39 games this season for the Tigers, recording 16 points on three goals and 13 assists. He was named the Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week on Jan. 19. Kuqali appeared in 153 career games, second most in RIT's Division I era with 13 goals, 46 assists, 59 points, and a plus-16 rating. In 2014-15, Kuqali garnered All-Atlantic Hockey Third Team honors and was named to the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team.
Mitchell led the Tigers in scoring with 36 points on six goals and 30 assists in 39 games this season. In four seasons at the university, Mitchell finished his career as the all-time leader in games played with 154. He recorded 31 career goals and 90 assists for 121 points. Mitchell's 90 assists are third most all-time at RIT in the Division I era, while his 121 points are fifth. He was a 2014-15 All-Atlantic Hockey second team selection and 2015-16 third team pick. In addition, Mitchell was named to the 2015 NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team.
"Both Alexander and Josh are coming off of not only great RIT careers but senior seasons as well," said RIT head coach
Wayne Wilson. "They both have a great future and will do well in the ECHL as they get adjusted to the pro game. Both are great representatives of RIT hockey."
Florida is currently second in the ECHL's South Division with 86 points. They have clinched a playoff berth and have seven regular season games remaining.
