Traditionally, the end of the spring semester is a time for our program to reflect on our accomplishments during the year and this year is no different. The Niagara University ACHA Men’s Division 1 Hockey Team had high expectations on themselves from the opening day of the season. This group of men grew closer to one another during the season, and results were proven on the ice.

This year the Purple Eagles improved on their record from the previous year (20-9-2 Overall, 12-2-0 NECHL) and were also crowned playoff champions of the NECHL (Northeast Collegiate Hockey League) again this season, hoisting their 4th Memorial Cup. With that win the Purple Eagles received an auto-bid to the National Tournament, punching their ticket to Dallas, Texas from March 19th-24th, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental resiliency of this group was on full display throughout the entire year, and the coaching staff is extremely proud of all the work these players put in this year. This is an accomplishment that will allow us to continue to grow the program going forward, which is a benefit of everyone’s hard work.

Our ACHA Division 1 program has had a pretty impressive resume throughout the past decade. The program’s most recent victory secured our 4th league championship title in the last 8 seasons, going to the championship game in 6 of those 8 seasons. Furthermore, this is the 3rd time in program history that the program has qualified for the National Tournament.

Throughout the 2019-2020 campaign alone we have had quite the season. Along with winning the NECHL Playoffs and qualifying for the ACHA National Tournament, we also solidified ourselves as the NECHL Regular Season Champions and reclaimed the I-90 Cup from Mercyhurst University. The team effort has been highly respected during the year; however we also would like to acknowledge the players who received all-league awards, and individual team awards. All-League awards were voted on by the coaches of the teams in the NECHL, while team awards were voted on by members of the NU Coaching Staff. 

This year was also special for our coaching staff as the staff was recognized by the NECHL as the Coaching Staff of the Year. Every year, the ACHA recognizes a head coach for their efforts throughout the season and this year NU’s head coach Larry Brzeczkowski is in the running for ACHA Coach of the Year. Larry has continued to support the team with his endless nights at the rink and we hope that he comes away with the award.

The senior graduates this year have been a cornerstone of this team for the past three, four, and even five years. Your dedication and support to the program is admirable and you have been tremendous role models for the younger members of this team. The coaching staff is proud of all of the hard work that you have put in the past several years and we would like to thank you for always giving your all for this program.

While we didn’t ultimately get to attend the National Tournament this year, our coaching staff is very proud of this group of men. We continue to look forward and build to reach our goal of obtaining a National Championship. Thank you to the parents for your continued support of our program. We are looking forward to a very promising 2020-2021 season.

NECHL & ACHA Individual Awards

NECHL Player of the Year - #14 David Christopher

NECHL Playoff MVP - #16 Ryan Peters

NECHL 1st Team All Star - #14 David Christopher

NECHL 2nd Team All Star - #25 Logen Field

NECHL & ACHA All-ACADEMIC TEAM - #22 Daniel Smolka

Niagara University Team Awards

OFFENSIVE MVP AWARD - #14 David Christopher

DEFENSIVE MVP AWARD - #6 Gibson Stuart

OFFENSIVE ROOKIES OF THE YEAR - #11 Eric Hulford & #17 Carson Andreoli

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - #72 Bennett Oxborough

COACHES AWARD - #16 Ryan Peters

TOM COGAN SPIRIT AWARD - #9 David Fish

MOST DEDICATED AWARD - #15 Chris Gasiewicz

MOST IMPROVED AWARD - #29 Noah Koenig

UNSUNG HERO AWARD - #21 Anthony Thurston

SPIRIT OF EAGLE AWARD – #5 Pavel Kovtunov & #26 Chad Moore