Western New England University

Entering this Season: Second year wearing a Golden Bears sweater after playing his previous two seasons for NCAA Division I UConn of Atlantic Hockey Conference...fast skater with quick hands who adds forward depth ...switched back to uniform No. 6--the sweater he wore with the Huskies...team's second-leading returning scorer...played his junior hockey here in Springfield.

2013-14 (Junior Year): Played in 23 games in his first season with the Golden Bears, make an immediate impact in the lineup...finished the season with a total of five goals and eight assists for 13 points, which was first among newcomers and fifth overall on the team...made WNE debut in Nov. 1 season opener against Westfield State, getting an assist in the 4-2 win to capture the Falcon Cup...notched his first Golden Bear goal in a 4-0 road win at Curry, also getting an assist for a multi-point night...wore No. 19 sweater...

2012-13 (Sophomore Year): Saw action in nine games during second season at UConn...totaled one point on one goal... scored a goal in a 5-3 win over Sacred Heart (Nov. 9).

2011-12 (Freshman Year): Played in 24 games before suffering a season-ending injury... recorded five points on two goals and three assists...registered two points on one assist and the game-winning goal at Canisius (Jan. 14)...scored his first career point and goal against Sacred Heart (Nov. 16)...made his collegiate debut against Bowling Green on Oct. 7

What I Like Best About WNE: "The hockey program and small size of the campus."

Before Western New England: Played for and captained the Springfield Pics of the Eastern Junior Hockey League...led the team in scoring and power play points with 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in 44 games...the ninth overall leading scorer in the league...selected to the EJHL All-Star Team...graduated from Longmeadow High School in 2009...also attended Newington (Conn.) High School from 2005-07, playing one season on the golf team.

Personal: Born Joseph Edward Budnick on April 22, 1991 in New Britain, Conn....nickname is Budsy...parents are Doug Budnick and Denise Imbert...sister is Danielle Budnick Favorites: movie—Happy Gilmore; actor—Adam Sandler; pro team—Boston Bruins of the NHL; food—chicken parmesan enjoys playing golf criminal justice major.

Career Statistics

* Denotes two years played at the University of Connecticut