NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY | (Sunday, January 21st - 2021) Early, last week – The Niagara University Purple Eagles received a 4-year commitment from forward, Tristan Taillefer. The highly-skilled lefty split time between the Cochrane Crunch of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Embrun Panthers of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League over the previous 2 seasons. In his last 92 games, Taillefer notched 41 goals and 32 assists totaling 73 points and just 18 minutes in penalties. While wearing the ‘C’ in Embrun, he was the most lethal forward to touch the ice, night-in and night-out. He led his team in scoring by a mere 20 points and held his spot on the top line throughout the entirety of a 44-game season. Despite registering a favorable amount of statistical success, it’s the overall value package that he carries into the Purple Eagle locker room that has the NU coaching staff incredibly excited for the 2021-2022 regular season to begin.

“Tristan is a remarkably gifted offensive player. However, it’s the leadership qualities that he possesses and the pressure he puts on himself to perform that truly highlighted his value throughout the recruiting process. We probably watched 30-35 of his games over the course of the previous 2 seasons and I don’t think there was ever an instance where we saw something we didn’t like. He generates a tremendous number of offensive opportunities, and does so without accumulating penalty minutes. Statistics seemingly always generate the most notoriety for individual performance in our sport, but we truly believe that the most underrated aspect of his skillset is that of control. His emotions, defensive zone awareness, commitment to system play and role fulfillment are a constant in every situation he finds himself in. To say that we’re happy to have him on our lineup card over the course of the next 4 years would be a tremendous understatement. I would like to formally welcome him into our family and congratulate him on the next step of his athletic and academic journey.”

• Head Coach, Tom Mooradian

Taillefer will slot in nicely to a Purple Eagle depth chart that is set to return the likes of Captain, and reigning NECHL player of the year, David Christopher. In conjunction with the goal of repeating as conference champions, Niagara’s sights are set on returning to the ACHA National Tournament, next season. Fortunately for Tristan, the transition from junior to college hockey will be an easy one to make considering the seasoned offensive core that he’ll be surrounded with in ’21-’22. On the offensive side of the spectrum, NU returns 8 forwards from their championship run in ’19-’20, all of which have over 3+ years of eligibility left. The newest Purp had this to say about his decision to continue his career on Monte Eagle Ridge …

“Becoming a Purple Eagle was a no brainer for me. Not only do I get to compete and play hockey for 4 more years but I also get the chance to attend such prestigious University like Niagara. I was very impressed with all of the support I’ve received from Coach Tom, not just as a future athlete but a future student as well. The due diligence done by the NU staff has made the whole process effortless. Attending Niagara University will be a unique experience as I get the opportunity to further my education as well as my hockey career. I’m counting down the days until I get to lace ‘em up, again!”

Covid-19 has taken a major chunk out of Niagara’s hockey protocol over the last 11 months. However, it’s evident that they’re doing everything they can to ensure an optimal compete level once they do eventually return to game-action in September of this year. As of Thursday, January 28th – Niagara is set to resume on-ice workouts with a 4-month / 3-day weekly training regimen, here at Dwyer Arena. Follow our social media pages for the latest team updates as we navigate through the back-half of this year. [@NUachaD1]