On Friday, Oct. 29, the Niagara men's hockey team will make history, in playing their first-ever Atlantic Hockey Association conference game, taking on the Mercyhurst Lakers at Dwyer Arena. Each day leading up to the historical event, PurpleEagles.com will open the vault and recap five of the most historical moments in Niagara men's hockey history.

Today's video will highlight the inaugural College Hockey America Championship game, along with footage from the NCAA Selection Show for the 2000 NCAA Tournament. In just the team's fourth season, the senior-laden Purple Eagles squad went 30-8-4, won the inaugural CHA Championship and made the NCAA Tournament for the first-time ever. Niagara would defeat New Hampshire to advance to the Elite Eight, before falling to eventual champion North Dakota.

Two members of that team are currently coaches at Niagara. 1999-00 team goalie Greg Gardner is currently an assistant coach with the men's hockey team, where blueliner Chris MacKenzie is currently the head women's hockey coach.


                                                Making History: 1999-00 Niagara Men's Hockey Team