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NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - After pocketing its first conference win of the 2012-13 season, the Niagara men's hockey team will take on its second CCHA opponent of the season in Michigan State in a two-game series that starts on Friday in East Lansing, Mich., before wrapping up on Saturday.  

The puck will drop at 7 p.m. for both contests.  

How To Catch The Game
Niagara’s game versus Michigan State will be broadcasted live on WJJL 1440 AM, with Todd Callen on the call.  Live stats will also be available for both games.  To access live stats or live audio, please click on the appropriate links above. 
 
Last Time Out
The Purple Eagles kick started Atlantic Hockey play last weekend with a 2-1 victory over the Mercyhurst Lakers. 

Defenseman Matt Williams scored the game-winning tally for Niagara, also adding an assist in the Purple Eagles initial score, tallied by Giancarlo Iuorio.   Dan Kolenda earned his first collegiate point with a helper, while Ryan Rashid and Chris Lochner had a one-point night with an assist each. 

Carsen Chubak started in net for NU, pushing aside 25 Laker shots for his first win of the season. 
      
On The Road Again
Niagara is currently on a four-game road trip that includes this weekend’s double-dip against Michigan State before traveling to Cheel Arena for a home series against Clarkson. 
 
Scouting The Spartans
Michigan State have started the season with a 0-2-0 record, dropping two decisions to Minnesota. 

The team has had offensive contributions from several Spartans--Tanner Sorenson (1-0-1), David Bondra (0-1-0), Chris Forfar (0-1-0) and Brent Darnell (1-0-1). 

Two Michigan State goaltenders have had time in net so far this season, with Will Yanakeff playing a majority of the minutes.  He has 55 saves for a 6.60 goals-against average and a .833 save percentage.   
 
Last Time vs. Michigan State
This is the third time the teams will be meeting on the ice, as the previous two games came in consecutive days during the 2002-03 season.  Niagara won a 2-1 decision against then No. 13 Michigan State on Nov. 8, before the Spartans took the second game by a 5-4 overtime decision on Nov. 9.
 
Home Sweet Home
Two members on Niagara’s roster hail from the state of Michigan, in junior Ryan Rashid and sophomore Kevin Albers.              Rashid is from Farmington, Mich. while Albers calls Lake Orion, Mich. home. 
 
Close To 100
Giancarlo Iuorio earned his 70th point as a Purple Eagle after scoring the first Niagara goal in the 2-1 victory over Mercyhurst.
Only 13 Purple Eagles have joined the 100-point club, with Paul Zanette (‘11) being the last member to join the illustrious group in 2011.
 
Rockin’ Rocky
Freshman Rocky Gruttadauria has started his collegiate career on a strong note, earning a point in his first two contests. He tallied a goal in the season opener against Bowling Green and contributed a helper in the loss to Colgate on Oct.9. 
 
Between The Posts
Junior goaltender Carsen Chubak has started two of NU’s three game thus far, earning himself a hard fought 1-0-1 mark. 

Chubak has pushed aside 59 shots, including 34 saves in the season opener against Bowling Green which was five short of his career-high.

He is currently ranked 16th in the nation in both goals-against average (1.44) and save percentage (.952). 
 
Purple Eagle’s Firsts
Three players picked up their first career points in the first three games of the 2012-13 season. 

Rocky Gruttadauria earned his first career point when he scored the first goal of the game against the Bowling Green Falcons, while Matt Chartrain picked up an assist on the play.  Dan Kolenda contributed a helper in the win over Mercyhurst. 
 
On-Ice Experience
Two members of the Purps have suited up in over 100 games for Niagara.  Senior defender C.J. Chartrain has played in 105 contests, while fellow senior Marc Zanette has 107 games under his belt. 

Senior Giancarlo Iuorio and Dan Weiss will reach the 100 game mark on Nov. 10 when NU faces Army.

Up Next For NU
The Purple Eagles continue their second longest road trip of the season, battling Clarkson on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27.