As a dominant forward for Lake Superior State University, Mark Vermette was a hattrick finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 1988. In his senior season, Vermette led the nation in goals with 49 and amassed 79 points in 46 games, leading his team to the NCAA National Championship. This performance earned him a spot as a First-Team All-American, the CCHA Player of the Year award, and he scored the overtime goal that clinched the national title for the Lakers, cementing his legacy as a collegiate star.

Following his standout college career, Vermette was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the seventh round of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He would go on to play 67 games in the NHL with the Nordiques, recording 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points. His professional career also included several seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Halifax Citadels, where he was a highly productive player, showcasing the offensive skill that made him a two-time Hobey Baker finalist.