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Hitting The Open Trail
Niagara continues on its 11-game road trip, the longest in program history, against Sacred Heart this weekend. Following this weekend, Niagara takes on Bentley twice and will play single games against Robert Morris and Mercyhurst. The Purple Eagles finish off their long journey with two games at the 2011 Marucci Classic and a two-game AHA series against UConn.
Niagara’s 11-game road trip is tied for the longest road trip in the nation with Alabama-Huntsville, who will be on the road from Nov. 11 through Dec. 17.
How To Catch The Game
Niagara's games against Sacred Heart will be broadcast on WJJL 1440 AM. Every game, including Niagara's games against the Pioneers can also be heard via Niagara All-Access for free, under the Multimedia tab of PurpleEagles.com.
Fans can also watch the games via the America One Network. Links are at the top of the page.
Scouting The Pioneers
The Sacred Heart Pioneers are 1-11-0, with an 0-7-0 AHA record. They defeated No. 8 Yale on Tuesday, 7-6. The Pioneers are led by freshman Brian Sheehan (5-4-9) and senior Matt Gingera (4-4-8). Sacred Heart also gets strong play from junior Eric Delong (3-4-7).
Steven Legatto will likely earn the nod to play between the pipes, earning a 1-6-0 record with a 5.07 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage.
Last Time vs. Sacred Heart
Five first period goals were more than enough for the Purple Eagles to defeat Sacred Heart by a 6-2 score at Dwyer Arena on Jan. 22, 2011. Paul Zanette finished the game with two goals, an assist and three points.
Tight Games
Seven out of Niagara’s last eight games have been decided by a goal or less. Niagara played RIT to a scoreless tie, lost to Air Force in overtime, 3-2, played nationally-ranked Union to a 3-3 tie and played Colgate to a 7-6 overtime loss and a 2-1 win. Niagara also played Holy Cross to a 4-3 loss after defeating them 4-2 the night prior. Niagara also played Canisius to a 1-1 tie. and dropped a tight 1-0 contest to No. 17 Cornell. Five out of Niagara’s first 10 games have entered overtime, with Niagara playing to three ties.
Success Against Sacred Heart
Niagara has fared well against Sacred Heart in the past, defeating the Pioneers in all six meetings between the teams. Niagara is 4-0-0 against the Pioneers at Dwyer Arena, while 2-0-0 against Sacred Heart at the Milford Ice Rink. Niagara has outscored the Pioneers in the team’s previous six contests by a 23-7 margin, allowing Sacred Heart to score no more than two goals in every meeting.
