Niagara Welcomes Holy Cross for Home Opener
(RV/--) Niagara Purple Eagles (1-2-0)
At Home: 0-0-0 • On the Road: 1-1-0
Current W/L Streak: L1
vs.
(RV/-) Holy Cross Crusaders (0-0-0)
At Home: 0-0-0 • On the Road: 0-0-0
Home Sweet Home
Niagara University returns to the ice at Dwyer Arena for its home opener against Holy Cross. The team will be unveiling last year’s regular-season CHA Championship banner.
The Purple Eagles enter the game 1-2-0 on the season after falling 2-1 to previously ranked Colgate Thursday at Blue Cross Arena. Saturday’s game will be Holy Cross’ season-opening contest.
Catch the Purple Eagles on the Radio, Internet
Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on WJJL 1440 AM and have an Internet simulcast on Niagara’s official web site, PurpleEagles.com. Warren Kozireski will call the action from Dwyer Arena.
Home Openers
Niagara sports a 5-5 record in home openers. Last season, Niagara defeated Clarkson 6-3 in the opener at Dwyer Arena. Prior to that win, the Purple Eagles has lost three consecutive home openers.
Last Time Out
Colgate 2, Niagara 1 - Oct. 11, 2006
Two goals just 37 seconds apart in the first period was what Colgate University needed to slip by Niagara University Thursday night in a non-conference game at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. Sophomore Les Reaney registered his second goal on the season and first power play tally. Classmate Ted Cook and rookie Chris Moran picked up assists. In net, Juliano Pagliero made 20 saves.
Saturday’s Opponent
Holy Cross
Saturday will be Holy Cross’ season-opening contest. The Crusaders were picked to finish third in the preseason Atlantic Hockey poll. They are also receiving votes in the first U.S. College Hockey Online Poll.
Holy Cross is led by senior James Sixsmith. Last season, the forward took home Atlantic Hockey Tournament MVP honors with three goals and four assists in three games, leading the Crusaders to the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Sixsmith finished with 12 goals, 28 assists and 40 points.
The Series - Niagara, 2-0-0
Niagara and Holy Cross renew their rivalry Saturday after a four-year hiatus. The teams last met Jan. 11, 2001, at Dwyer Arena with the Purple Eagles registering a 6-0 victory. In the first meeting on Jan. 3, 2000, Niagara secured a 2-0 shutout at Holy Cross.
