With the season just 90 days away, The Niagara University ACHA division 1 men’s ice hockey team is proud to announce their 2019 – 2020 recruiting class. The next generation of Niagara hockey is comprised of 14 players, hailing from all over North America and Europe. There is undoubtedly a lot of excitement brewing on Monte Eagle ridge. However, associate head coach, Tom Mooradian feels that what lies ahead for Niagara is something that should be approached with, what he referred to as, “an even higher sense of urgency” compared to seasons passed. He had this to say about his newly refurbished roster:

“I think the biggest thing for us is not to get too high or too low. I will say that we need to take an even higher sense of urgency into this season’s preparation compared to that of previous years. Don’t get me wrong, we’re super excited about the talent we’ve locked up for the next 4-5 seasons, but we have to implement it into our system, appropriately. Don’t sell those 14 guys short though – we’re super confident in their physical ability on the ice and we hope they lead us into a new era of Niagara hockey. That being said, we have to take a level-headed approach into each and every game. The ACHA men’s division 1 circuit has become so competitive, any team can win on any given night. Take the NECHL for example – every team in our league has completely refined their programs and is firing from all cylinders. We have 2 unbelievable programs in our backyard with UB & Canisius. So, just to reiterate … I think it’s in our best interest to stay grounded.”

On what fueled the commitment to scouting …  

“From 2008 to 2017, we were very fortunate to accomplish a lot. At one point, I think we had played in 5 straight championship games, won 3 and advanced to the national tournament’s semi-finals for 2 straight seasons. We provided a stepping-stone for some of our players who have chosen to pursue a professional hockey career after their time at Niagara. Yet, the past 2 seasons – we’ve found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. For us, not playing in the NECHL championship game is a failure. Plain and simple, that’s a game we need to be in for us to consider a season even remotely successful. All of the high points I mentioned previously are driven by successful recruiting. Branching out and finding the right players to fit your mold is what gives your team the best opportunity at success in our league. So, we decided to take sort of a ‘Back to the Future’ approach to refining our roster for the next x amount of years. It was evident to Larry and I that we needed to go out and get the best players we physically could and we hope that it’ll be a positive thing for us, moving forward.”

Coach did add that they’re excited about the combination of returning players and the newbies entering their freshmen seasons at NU. He feels that the future can be very bright … IF they play their cards correctly.

Below, we’d like to formally introduce you all to the Niagara University ACHA division 1 men’s ice hockey class of 2023!

#7 – James Redmond, Defenseman – Ottawa, ON (Timmins Rock: NOJHL)

#72 – Bennett Oxborough, Goaltender – Ashton, ON (Pembroke Lumber Kings: CCHL)

#17 – Carson Andreoli, Forward – Toronto, ON (Elliot Lake Wildcats: NOJHL)

#14 – David Christopher, Center – Tonawanda, NY (Niagara Whalers: GMHL)

#20 – Luc Cross, Forward – Anaheim, CA (Helena Bighorns: NA3HL)

#8 – Kurt Villani, Forward – Grand Island, NY (Buffalo Jr. Sabres: OJHL)

#11 – Eric Hulford, Center – Stittsville, ON (Athens Aeros: CCHL 2)

#4 – Jeremy Solko, Defenseman - Casper, WY (Helena Bighorns: NA3HL)

#21 – Anthony Thurston, Forward – Irondequoit, NY (New England Wolves: EHL)

#26 – Chad Moore, Forward – Nepean, ON (Renfrew Timberwolves: CCHL 2)

#1 – Louis Wery, Goaltender – Grenoble, FR (Maniwaki Mustangs: CPJHL)

#10 – Damon Theara, Forward – Vancouver, BC (North Carolina Golden Bears: EHL)

#23 – Nick Mandia, Forward – Utica, NY (Connecticut Chiefs: EHL)

#37 – Kellen Almady, Forward – McDonald, PA (Pittsburgh Vengeance: 18U AAA)

#12 – Tyler Hart, Defenseman – Grafton, MA (Bridgton Academy Prep)