Joe Vitale appeared in 143 games for the Huskies, tallying 34 goals and 60 assists for 94 points. He was named an alternate captain as a sophomore before captaining the squad his senior year. He led the Huskies during the 2007-08 season in goals (12), assists (23) and points (35) en route to being named a Hockey East Second Team All-Star and the All-New England Most Improved Player. At the conclusion of his senior year, Vitale became the first-ever Husky to be named Hockey East Best Defensive Forward after a 27-point season.
 
After graduating from Northeastern, Vitale played in the professional ranks for nine seasons, including six seasons in the National Hockey League. He appeared in 234 games in the NHL with Pittsburgh and Arizona, tallying 11 goals and 33 assists. Currently, Vitale serves as a radio color analyst for the St. Louis Blues.