The Gutterson Glory: 5 Shocking Truths About UVM Hockey’s 2024–2025 Season And Its NHL Legacy

The University of Vermont Catamounts hockey program is steeped in a rich tradition that often flies under the national radar, yet it has produced some of the biggest names in the National Hockey League (NHL). As of late 2025, the program is navigating a pivotal period, marked by significant coaching stability on the women's side and a crucial overhaul for the men's team, all while competing in the fiercely competitive Hockey East conference. The 2024–2025 season has been one of transition and building for both the men's and women's teams, with the focus squarely on developing a new core of players and establishing a fresh identity on the ice at the historic Gutterson Fieldhouse. The latest statistics and personnel changes reveal a determined effort by the athletic department to return the Catamounts to the national spotlight, leveraging their deep history and the passionate support of the Burlington community.

The Catamounts’ Current Leadership and Roster Profiles (2024–2025)

The foundation of any successful collegiate athletic program lies in its leadership. The UVM Catamounts have distinct, yet equally dedicated, head coaches guiding their respective programs into the future. This section provides a complete look at the coaching staff and the key players driving the 2024–2025 campaign.

Men’s Ice Hockey: The Steve Wiedler Era

The men's program experienced a dramatic shift in leadership during the 2023–2024 season. After the firing of former head coach Todd Woodcroft, the program turned to an internal candidate to steady the ship.

• Head Coach: Steve Wiedler. Initially named Interim Head Coach in July 2023, Wiedler officially had the interim tag dropped in January 2024, securing his role as the permanent leader of the Catamounts. His elevation marks a commitment to a new direction and a fresh start for the program.
• 2024–2025 Season Record: The team finished the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 11-21-3 and a conference record of 6-16-2, indicating a challenging but competitive year within Hockey East.

Key Men’s Players (2024–2025 Leading Scorers):

The offense in the 2024–2025 season was driven by a core group of forwards who consistently found the back of the net, leading the team in points and goals:

• Joel Maatta: A top forward who led the team in points and goals, appearing in all 35 games.
• Colin Kessler: Another key offensive contributor, Kessler was instrumental in power-play scoring opportunities.
• Max Strand: Provided crucial secondary scoring, appearing in 33 games.
• Simon Jellus: A consistent presence on the attack throughout the season.
• Massimo Lombardi: Contributed significantly to the team’s offensive output over the 35-game season.

Women’s Ice Hockey: Stability Under Jim Plumer

In contrast to the men's program, the women's team enjoys deep stability under its long-serving head coach, Jim Plumer.

• Head Coach: Jim Plumer. Plumer is a veteran presence, having been hired before the 2012–2013 season. He is set to enter his 14th season in the 2025–2026 campaign, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in the program's history.
• Associate Head Coach: Kevin Dessart was recently named Associate Head Coach, strengthening the staff’s depth.
• 2024–2025 Season Record: The women's team concluded the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 9-25-2 and a conference record of 7-18-2.

Key Women’s Players (2024–2025 Notables):

The women's roster featured several players who logged significant minutes and contributed to the team's efforts, including:

• Josie Hemp: A sophomore defenseman who contributed four points during the season.
• Cecilia DesLauriers: A sophomore forward who recorded three goals in 33 games.
• Natalie Zarcone: A leader and key player on the 2024–2025 roster.

The NHL Pipeline: UVM’s Unmatched Professional Legacy

The University of Vermont's true claim to fame in the hockey world is its incredible track record of developing NHL talent. Despite not always being a national championship contender, the Catamounts have produced 18 NHL players in their history, a remarkable feat for a program of its size. This legacy is a powerful recruiting tool and a source of immense pride for the university.

NHL and Stanley Cup Champions Who Played at UVM:

The list of UVM alumni who became professional hockey legends is staggering, cementing the program's status as a top developer of talent:

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• Martin St. Louis: A Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner, Hart Memorial Trophy winner, and one of the most successful undrafted players in NHL history.
• John LeClair: A three-time NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup Champion with the Montreal Canadiens.
• Tim Thomas: A Vezina Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and Stanley Cup Champion with the Boston Bruins.
• Patrick Sharp: A three-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Recent Alumni in Professional Hockey:

The pipeline continues to feed the professional ranks with more recent graduates:

• Kevan Miller ('11): A former defenseman for the Boston Bruins.
• Connor Brickley ('14): Played for the New York Rangers organization.
• Viktor Stålberg ('09): A former NHL forward and Stanley Cup winner.
• Éric Perrin ('97): Had a long professional career, including time in the NHL.

The Gutterson Fieldhouse: Home of the Catamounts and Hero of the Gut

The Gutterson Fieldhouse, affectionately known to fans as "The Gut," is more than just an arena; it is the spiritual home of UVM hockey and a key entity in the program's history. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the venue provides one of the most intense and intimate atmospheres in college hockey.

A Historic Venue:

The Gutterson Fieldhouse has hosted the Catamounts for decades, creating a unique home-ice advantage. Its structure and history make it a tough place for visiting teams, especially during crucial Hockey East matchups.

• The Atmosphere: The tight seating and passionate student section contribute to the "Hero of the Gut" tradition, where players are inspired by the fervent home crowd.
• Key Matchups: The 2024–2025 schedule highlighted significant home games, including the TD Bank Home Opener and matchups against major rivals like Boston College and RPI, ensuring The Gut was the center of attention for Vermont sports fans.

The Road Ahead: Navigating Hockey East and Future Prospects

Both the men's and women's teams compete in the Hockey East Association, arguably the most competitive conference in NCAA Division I hockey, featuring perennial powerhouses like Boston College, Boston University, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Conference Challenge:

The challenging nature of Hockey East means every win is hard-earned. The men's team faced tough competition, including the 2024-2025 Hockey East Regular Season Champions, Boston College. The women's team also battles a difficult schedule, which consistently tests their mettle and helps develop their younger players.

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Building for the Future:

For the men's program, the permanent appointment of Steve Wiedler signals a long-term commitment to building a sustainable winning culture. The focus will be on leveraging the transfer portal and recruiting top talent to compete consistently for a spot in the Hockey East playoffs and ultimately, the NCAA Tournament. The women's program, under the experienced guidance of Jim Plumer, aims to build on recent successes and rise in the conference standings, utilizing key leadership groups selected for the season.

Topical Authority Entities (LSI Keywords):

The continued success of UVM hockey relies on developing players who can thrive in the face of elite competition. Key entities and LSI keywords that define the program's identity include the Vermont Catamounts nickname, the NCAA Division I status, the Hockey East Association, the iconic Gutterson Fieldhouse, and the legendary NHL alumni like Martin St. Louis, John LeClair, and Tim Thomas. The 2024–2025 season marks a new chapter, emphasizing the leadership of Steve Wiedler and Jim Plumer, and the performance of current stars such as Joel Maatta and Colin Kessler.