NEWS

The Niagara University ACHA Purple Eagles went into the NECHL Playoffs on a mission to repeat as league champions. Well… mission complete. Niagara as the #1 seed played Cortland State in their first game of the playoffs on Saturday. Niagara came out a little slow, but finally got their momentum going played a complete second half of the game. Niagara rolled to a 6-0 victory, with goaltender Mike Parda earning his fourth shutout of the season.

After Niagara’s victory, the Purps would find out who they would face in the championship on Sunday. The University of Buffalo Bulls would prevail over the Syracuse Orange by a score of 2-1, and Niagara and UB would match up for the third time this season. It was only fitting that these two cross town rivals would meet one more time, in this game. Niagara and UB met two years ago in the finals, with Niagara falling 8-7 in OT. This year, Niagara was looking for revenge and another championship.

Niagara and UB took the ice Sunday with both teams looking to come out flying. Just a little under four minutes into the game, UB got on the board. Some bad defensive zone coverage cost Niagara. Niagara stuck around and a nice shot on goal by Nick Radwan was tipped in by Dalton Bew to tie the game back up at 1-1. Niagara had the pressure on UB, but more defensive zone break downs gave UB some quality scoring chances which they cashed in on. Niagara ended the first period down 3-1.

In the locker room, Niagara regroup and knew what they had to do to win the game. Niagara had to pick up the pressure and start being more responsible in their own end. The second period began with Niagara coming out hungry. Just under three minutes into the period, Jacob Ledyard ripped a shot past the UB goaltender from Max Hyland, to cut the UB lead to 3-2. Niagara had a little let down, with UB adding another goal in the second period to go back up by two goals. Just over a minute later, Niagara answered and did not look back. Andrew Mitch scored on nice passing and hard work from Dalton Bew and Charlie Chamberlain. Niagara kept their foot on the gas and the pressure up for the remainder of the period.

Starting the third period down 4-3, Niagara was confident they could finish the comeback. The Purps knew if they could keep up the pressure, they could wear down UB and finish the job. 3:51 into the third period, Andrew Mitch scored on a pass from Charlie Chamberlain to tie the game at 4-4. The Purps were rolling now. Just over half way through the period, Andrew Mitch completed the natural hat trick, once again from Dalton Bew and Charlie Chamberlain to take the 5-4 lead. Niagara had 9:54 seconds left to hold off UB, and they did. UB gave it all they had, but Niagara was up for the challenge. The Purps did all the little right; blocking shots, getting the puck out of the zone, and Mike Parda making timely saves.

Niagara killed off the last few minutes of pressure and won 5-4. This is Niagara’s second consecutive NECHL Championship. Tournament MVP honors went to Niagara’s own Andrew Mitch.

Next up for Niagara is the ACHA National Tournament. Niagara will be playing Robert Morris (PA) in their first game next Thursday at 2:00pm in Cleveland, OH.