Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara men's hockey team opened up the 2011-12 season with a 7-2 exhibition victory over Queen's University on Saturday afternoon at Dwyer Arena.

"I like the overall depth at all positions this season," head coach Dave Burkholder said. "There was a lot I liked today. When the referees show up on Friday and Saturday nights, it will be tough to make lineup decisions."

Niagara controlled play in the first period, outshooting the Gaels by a 24-2 margin. Sophomore Scott Arnold got Niagara on the board first when he fired a laser of a shot from the near boards that beat Queens goalie Riley Whitlock high, glove side.

The first period would end tied at one, as Queens would convert on a 5-on-3 advantage, when Brandon Perry ripped a low shot from the middle of the point past Niagara goalie Carsen Chubak.

Queens would take a 2-1 lead just two minutes into the middle stanza on the man-advantage, off the stick of  Jordan Soquila. Niagara would score its first of four second period goals just 10 seconds later, with Giancarlo Iuorio notching his first on the day. Matt Williams would give the Purps a 3-2 lead about three minutes later, while Arnold's second goal of the game and a marker from Kevin Ryan would give the home team a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes.

The Purple Eagles would tack on two more goals in the third period, with Arnold finishing off his hat-trick four minutes in, while Robert Martini scored on a slapshot from the near boards that went high, glove side for the 7-2 advantage.

"Scott Arnold is a shooter, with a quick release and a heavy shot," Burkholder said. "After today's game, it's another indication that his production will continue to be on the rise."

Three Purple Eagle netminders saw action, as Chubak, Cody Campbell and Colby Drost each had a period of icetime.

The Purple Eagles will begin the 2011-12 season on Tuesday, when they take on last year's national runner-up Michigan Wolverines at Yost Arena at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday's game can be heard live on WJJL 1440 AM.