Members Of Men's Hockey Class Of 2020 Begin Pro Careers

A quartet of Princeton Men's Hockey alumni who helped the Tigers to the 2018 ECAC Championship have moved on to the professional ranks after graduating this past May.

Two former Tigers – Jackson Cressey and Derek Topatigh – signed contracts with ECHL teams, while a pair of Princeton alumni – Jordan Fogarty and Liam Grande – have signed with teams in Sweden.

"I am excited for these young men to begin their professional careers," said head coach Ron Fogarty. "They made great contributions to our program over their time at Princeton, helping us to an ECAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth in 2018 as well as a thrilling playoff series win in March. They've done everything asked of a Princeton Hockey player – improving as players while earning a degree from the No. 1 school in America – and are deserving of the opportunities they've earned."

Topatigh, who captained the Tigers in 2019-20, signed with the Brampton Beast this summer and is expected in the lineup when the Beast begin their season in January. Over his career, Topatigh appeared in 129 career games while scoring 15 goals and adding 28 assists from the backend.

Cressey, an assistant captain last season, recently signed with the Reading Royals, also set to begin his professional career in January. He played in 132 career games during his Princeton career – tied for most all-time by a Tiger. One of the most prolific scorers in program history, Cressey graduated No. 11 all-time in points by a Princeton Men's Hockey player (116) and No. 4 in career assists (84).

Two Tigers have taken their first strides as professionals in Sweden where seasons have already begun.

Fogarty is playing with Virserums SGF in Sweden's Third Division and is off to a fast start. Through 10 games with Virserums which is off to a 9-0-1 start, Fogarty leads the team in scoring with 11g-8a-19pt totals.

1-3 Jordan Fogarty pic.twitter.com/YCc7w3Wjrm
— Virserums SGF (@virserumssgf) October 29, 2020

Grande is two games into his professional career as Alfta GIF – which competes in Sweden's Second Division – opened its season on November 3. Grande, who played in 114 career games for Princeton over his career and served as an assistant captain in 2019-20, graduated with 17g-18a-35pt totals. He is off to a great start in Sweden, registering two goals and an assist through two contests – registering the shootout game-winner for Valbo in a 5-4 win over the weekend.

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