NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY | The Niagara University Purple Eagles are pleased to announce that they have received an official commitment from defenseman, Matthew MacDougall of the Hearst Lumberjacks in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. The Mississauga, Ontario native posted 13 points in 39 games on the back end, last season. Shortly after his rights were acquired in a trade with the Powassan Voodoos, MacDougall’s comfortability in the Lumberjacks’ lineup allowed him to elevate his game to another level. Now a staple on the blue line in Hearst, he’s continued his offensive impact through the first 7 games of the 2020-2021 NOJHL season, registering 4 assists. Although his offensive capabilities are growing stronger by the day, it’s everything else he does away from the play that spiked the interest of the Niagara University coaching staff.

“We’re not naïve to the fact that Matt’s offensive ceiling is very high. However, it’s what he brings to the table in regards to puck progression, positioning and sound decision making that caught our attention from day 1. We were first introduced to Matt in 2017-2018 while recruiting one of his teammates during his tenure with the Brampton Bombers in the GOJHL. It was pretty evident then that he was inevitably going to blossom into the player that he is, today. Fast-Forward 3 seasons, he’s now confident in his ability and brings the fire, night-in and night-out. The individual growth that we’ve witnessed has so little to do with talent and almost everything to do with confidence. A lot of the time finding personal success is all about being in the right situation. I believe he’s found that situation in Hearst. We’re incredibly thrilled that he’s chosen to spend the next 4 years on our roster and we fully expect him to make an immediate impact right out of the gate.”

• Head Coach, Tom Mooradian.

MacDougall joins a re-vamped defensive core that will include the likes of Alternate Captain Dan Smolka, James Redmond, fellow Mississauga native Connor Loft, David Berta, Jeremy Solko, Tyler Hart, Pat Romano and Allon Levitin. With the graduation of David Hazelet & Gibson Stuart in 2020 as well as Logen Field and Kyle Clifford set for departure in 2021, there will be several defensive holes to fill on the Purple Eagle Lineup card heading into next season. He had this to say about his decision to join the Purple Eagle blue line and what his personal expectations are, moving forward:

“I chose Niagara University as they were the school that has shown an immense interest in me from the moment I started communicating with their staff. Coach Tom and his group have been incredibly transparent and helpful in accommodating everything that I’ve needed assistance with. I was impressed with the background and study efforts he has put in, keeping an eye on me over the years and now having the confidence for me to be brought in to the team. Also, looking at the educational platform that NU offers, I could see myself fitting in very well and I’m very excited to be a Purple Eagle!”

In a year that has brought us so many unknowns, things are starting to trend in a positive direction. With the first initial signing for the class of 2025, Niagara has its sights set on returning to the ACHA National Tournament. Whether or not they’ll lace up for game action this year still remains to be seen. However, it appears they are doing everything they can to make sure the roster is fully prepared whenever they’re given the green light. Feel free to stay updated with the team by following us on all major social media platforms. [@NUachaD1]