NEWPORT, R.I.-- Salve Regina University seniors Aidan Connolly (Marshfield, Mass.) and Cade DeStefani (Bedford, N.H.) have signed professional ice hockey contracts to play internationally. 

Connolly will be playing in Germany for the Limburg Rockets and DeStefani will be in France to play for for Drakkars de Caen. 

"We're incredibly proud of Aidan and Cade for earning the opportunity to continue their hockey careers professionally," said head men's ice hockey coach Jay Punsky '07. "Both players were instrumental in helping us achieve one of the most successful seasons in program history. To have two Concannon Award finalists sign professional contracts immediately following their senior seasons speaks volumes about the caliber of student-athletes we have at Salve Regina."

Connolly was connected with several international teams through a mentor and was thrilled to sign with the Rockets.

"It has always been a dream of mine to take that next step," said Connolly. "It's really exciting to be wanted and to know I can make a difference on this team. Playing pro hockey is a dream come true and ever since I first learned to skate it has been a goal."

Connolly picked up 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points for the Seahawks over the 2025-26 season and was named a semifinalist for the 2026 Joe Concannon Award. He also represented the Irish Senior National Team at the 2024 IIHF Development Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia where he scored 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in just six games. 

"Our conversations with Aidan so far have been extremely positive, and he has made a great impression in terms of character," the Limburg Rockets team management emphasized. "He is well aware of his role as an import player and, judging by his track record, possesses exactly the right qualities to fully live up to it. Another major plus is that he is already familiar with the larger ice surfaces in Europe thanks to his national team appearances. We are delighted that he is taking the next step in his career wearing the Rockets jersey."

After the 2025-26 season DeStefani was named a New England Division II-III Men's All-Star by the New England Hockey Writers Association and was selected as a semifinalist for the 2026 Joe Concannon Award alongside Connolly. DeStefani led the Seahawks this past season in goals scored (14) and assists (18) for 32 total points. 

"I am honored to be a part of such a passionate hockey community," said DeStefani. "I've heard a lot of great things about the rink and the support the team gets and I can't wait to represent this team and give my all to the ice every night. Also looking forward to meeting the fans and bringing the Cup back to Normandy!"

Salve Regina Athletics, and the men's ice hockey coaching staff, is thrilled to see all that these Seahawks will accomplish.

"We are very excited to watch Aidan and Cade play pro hockey in Germany and France," remarked Punsky.