Box Score | Postgame Press Conference

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara men’s hockey team played a strong, highly contested game against the No. 12/11 Union, but came away with a 3-3 tie in its home opener of the 2011-12 season on Friday evening in the Dutchmen's first trip to Dwyer Arena since 2003.  

Niagara netminder Cody Campbell had a strong showing between the pipes, stopping 45 shots by the Union Dutchmen (1-0-2; 0-0-0 ECAC), including eight in overtime, tying his career-high.  The sophomore also earned his first career point with an assist on the second Niagara goal.  

"He had three very solid games," head coach Dave Burkholder said of Cody.  "Every game that he's played we've had a chance to win and that's what you want out of your goalie.  For a young guy to play in these pressure situations bodes well for his future.  I thought his rebound control was really good, got some whistles when we were under pressure and overall I was really happy with Cody."  

Sophomore forward Scott Arnold gave Niagara (0-2-1; 0-1-1 AHA) the 3-2 lead with 8:06 left in the third period.  His turnaround shot at the top of the box was saved by Union goaltender Colin Stevens, but his second attempt off the rebound slid under the Union goaltender.  It was junior Dutchmen Greg Coburn that spoiled the evening for the Purple Eagles, scoring the tying goal with 1:26 minutes left in the third period.  A low slap shot at the top of the point flew just past Cambell's outstretched glove.  

Senior forward Kelly Zajac got the Dutchmen on the board first, netting his first goal of the season, after Arnold was called for interference.  Junior Wayne Simpson fed a quick pass across the top of the crease to Zajac before he ripped one in past the outstretched glove of Niagara netminder at the 7:57 mark.  Despite giving up one, Niagara saw Union shot-for-shot, both teams tallying nine shots.  

Niagara pulled even with Union off the stick of Arnold.  Arnold earned his first tally of the season, slapping one over the top of the shoulder of Stevens after teammate Sam Alfieri fed him a hard pass from behind the Union net.  

Junior Marc Zanette gave the Purple Eagles their first lead of the game with 10:37 left in the second period on a short-handed goal.  Arnold broke free from the Union defense, speeding into the Union defensive zone.  He wristed one into Stevens, but the rebound trickled straight to the trailing Zanette who ripped it into the back of the net.  It did not take long for the Dutchmen to answer.  Still on the powerplay just 23 seconds later, a shot from Max Novak bounced off Campbell straight to the stick of sophomore Josh Jooris for an easy tap-in.  

Arnold set a career-high in earning three points, tallying a goal and an assist after tonight's match-up.  Niagara is now 2-1-1 in the last four games against ranked teams at Dwyer Arena.  

The Purple Eagles are back in aciton next Friday, Oct. 28 when they face off against Colgate at Dwyer Arena.  The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m.  For ticket information, contact the Niagara Ticket Office at 716-286-8499 or at tickets@purpleeagles.com.