Two players from the men’s hockey team are moving on to bigger and better things.

Andrew Favot, a fourth year Marketing major, signed a contract last month with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League. Favot, who was a captain of this year’s team, will be joining his former teammate Jared DiMichiel, who was RIT’s goaltender.

Third year Business major Tyler Brenner has also signed a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League as of last month. He will be reporting to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Brenner joins the ranks of two other Tigers in giving up his NCAA eligibility in favor of a professional contract. In 2007, Steve Pinizzoto signed with the Washington Capitals, and in 2010, Chris Tanev signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

Both Brenner and Favot earned spots on the 2011 All-AHA teams. Brenner took second team honors, and Favot third. On Jan. 3, Favot and Brenner were named 2011 AHA Players of the Week.

Brenner and Favot served as forwards on RIT’s hockey team this year, and both players helped the Tigers earn their fourth Atlantic Hockey Association season title in the past five years. Brenner was nationally ranked seventh with 26 goals and 15 assists, while Favot led the Tigers in scoring with 43 points on 30 goals and 13 assists. Favot was also the fifth player to score his 100th career point since RIT moved to Division I.