DUDLEY, Mass. – Former Nichols College men's ice hockey student-athlete Vincent Crivello has signed a professional contract with Elephants de Chambery, a member of the Fédération Française de Hockey sur Glace (FFHG) Division I in France. He joins former teammate David Chevrier, who signed with the team last month.

Crivello – who served as team captain this past season – finished his four-year career with 87 points (41-46-87) in 98 career games. This past season, the Rosemere, Quebec native collected 19 points (9-10-19) in 27 games as he led the Bison through a sluggish start to within an overtime goal of an appearance in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship game for the second time in three seasons.

"I'm excited to be able to play professionally," said Crivello. "It's even better than I'll be in a gorgeous city with a team I've heard nothing but good things about. The fact that Chevy is going to be there, too, is one of the greatest coincidences I've ever been a part of. I can't wait to catch breakout passes from him in another country! The support we've received from our teammates, staff, and faculty has been amazing. It says a lot about the selflessness of the programs and the guys that comprise it."

The center's best offensive season came as a junior in 2018-19, when he led the Bison in assists (18) and points (28) to go with four PP goals and three game-winners. Crivello was a point-per-game player as a sophomore, racking up 26 points in 25 games (16-10-26) as the Bison won the CCC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Elite 8 with a win over Fitchburg State. Crivello opened the scoring :48 seconds into the conference championship contest at UNE and later scored the first goal against the Falcons in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.

"As a program, we are elated that Vinny is achieving a dream of his by signing his first professional contract," said Nichols College head men's ice hockey coach Parker Burgess. "During his time here, Vin was one of the best players and leaders to come through our program. He was a two-year captain, first-line center, consummate teammate, and a tremendous student-athlete. What makes his signing so unique and special is that he is taking this next step with his teammate, fellow captain, and brother David Chevrier. Vinny and Chevy came into Nichols together and now are off to play professionally together, which is very fitting. We wish Vincent nothing but the best next year in France. Les Elephants are getting a special player and person."

Crivello becomes the fourth member of the Class of 2020 to ink a professional contract, joining teammates Chevrier, J.B. Baker (Knoxville Ice Bears, SPHL) and Hogan Davidson (Huntsville Havoc, SPHL).

The FFHG is a semi-professional hockey league I France and the second of four levels of national ice hockey. The league dates back to 1930. Click HERE for more information.