SAN JOSE, Calif. — Anthony Vincent produced a team-high 37 points and earned a nomination for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award during a memorable lone season with the LIU men’s hockey team in 2022-23.

He used that experience on Long Island as a graduate transfer as a springboard to a coveted American Hockey League contract.

Vincent, an alternate captain at LIU, originally signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda after completing the college hockey season in mid-March.

He impressed in that opportunity. And that resulted in signing a full-year contract on May 22 for the upcoming season with the Barracuda — the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.

“His fifth year at LIU opened our scouting staff’s eyes,” Barracuda head coach John McCarthy said.

Vincent, a 6-foot, 190-pound forward, became the second player in the three-year-old LIU program’s history to sign an AHL contract. He joined Garrett Metcalf, a goaltender during the program’s inaugural 2020-21 season.

“LIU provided me with an unforgettable opportunity, where I was able to grow and excel,” Vincent said. “I can’t thank the coaches, staff, trainers and players enough who have made this an unforgettable year.”

The 25-year-old Vincent had an unpredictable and improbable path to the pros.

He decided to play junior hockey after high school, and entered his final season with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League without a Division I offer.

“Some people told me I should go the D-III route,” he said. “My goal was always to play Division I hockey. That was something I didn’t know I was going to do until my 20-year-old season.”

Halfway through a 26-point junior campaign, a D-I offer arrived. Vincent spent the next four seasons at Holy Cross. 

In his first season with the Crusaders, he posted a team-high 16 assists en route to an Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team selection.

“I had a decent first year there, but after that, there was nothing impressive about my stats,” he said.

Student-athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic, and Vincent decided to continue as a grad transfer with the up-and-coming LIU Sharks for the 2022-23 season.

“The extra year gave me another year to develop,” he added. 

He was named an alternate captain before he ever played a game with LIU. He emerged as one of the best players in the country in his only season with the program.

In 36 games, Vincent produced 17 goals and 20 assists. He was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s top player.

Vincent capped his collegiate career when he scored in LIU’s season-finale at Arizona State on March 11.

Two days later, his path to the pros began as the Barracuda signed him to an amateur tryout contract.

Vincent joined the AHL club for the final 14 games of last season, recording two points. It was his work ethic and versatility that most impressed the Barracuda staff.

“The first thing I noticed is that he worked,” McCarthy said. “He did things the right way. ‘Vinny’ played in almost every game and helped on the penalty kill.”

Vincent did enough in his 14-game stint to earn a one-way contract with the Barracuda for the upcoming season. Being 25 years old did not dissuade the front office. 

“Just because he’s a little bit on the older side — has a little bit of an unconventional path — that doesn’t mean he’s being overlooked,” McCarthy said.

Absent the AHL opportunity, Vincent was prepared to play in the ECHL — a full level below the AHL.

Now, he’s within one step of the best league in the world, something he, “never could’ve dreamed about.”

“It’s not going to be an easy year, but I’m excited for the opportunity,” Vincent said. “I’m going to leave it all out there.”