NU Eagles, Protecting Their Nest

By Tom Voss

Niagara University is home to one of the best men's hockey programs in the nation and their fans know it. In front of a roaring crowd last night the Purple Eagles skated against a determined University at Alabama-Huntsville squad that had knocked them out of the NCAA semifinals the previous year. Riding a five game unbeaten run the team did not want to break that streak. In the end their record was preserved with a 2-2 tie.

In front of a crowd of 1,142 at the Dwyer Arena right of the Niagara River, the men trailed most of the first two periods after an early goal by Alabama-Huntsville. Dead set to not let this one slip away, the Purple Eagles slipped two past their goalie early in the third period to take the lead. Despite their best efforts, the UAH team squeaked one through later in the third to what would be the game's final score. The Niagara men will be able to finish off what they started Saturday night as they take on the UAH squad again in what will be second of a total four meetings between the teams.

The Purple Eagles have a home record of 8-2-3 currently and put on a good show for all those in attendance. The recently renovated Dwyer arena easily accommodated the loud and purple proud crowd. The atmosphere was livid from start to finish and the game is faster and harder hitting than anything you'll see in the NHL. The slightly smaller rink allows for faster and more skill based play as well as heavy dose of harsh contact between players.

The Niagara men themselves are a team built around solid team work and communication. A pass always has a target and a player is never alone on a break. In this match-up, scoring was fronted by Matt Caruana and Kyle Rogers, both fed by passes from Vince Rocco. They work for every play on offense and when facing a flurry of shots on their own net. Though out shot in the first period, 9 to 5 they turned up the heat on the UAH goalie, finishing with 35 shots to their 21. NU goalie Juliano Pagliero also put in a solid night with 19 saves.

With no need to worry about commercial breaks or overly drunk fans, there are some distinct advantages over going to see a Sabres game. With ticket prices starting around $7 for general admission, going to a game is a good way to spend sometime with friends or family as well as watching some great hockey.

Western New York is proud to have a great team like the Niagara University Purple Eagles hockey team to represent our area and showing up to support the team on their quest for the Frozen Four and the NCAA hockey championship.