Box Score  | Senior Day Photo Gallery

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Sophomore forward Ryan Murphy earned a career-high four-point night, including a hat-trick, as the Niagara men’s hockey team (15-10-8; 14-6-6 AHA) defeated the RIT Tigers (17-11-5; 14-7-5 AHA), 4-1 Friday night at Dwyer Arena during Senior Night, earning the Purple Eagles to a first round by in the 2012 AHA Championships.   

Murphy had a hand in all four goals scored, tallying his first career hat trick and contributing an assist in the win.  Sophomore Patrick Divjak scored a goal and an assist while freshman forward Isaac Kohls added two helpers.  Niagara netminder Chris Noonan made 22 saves for the game, improving his overall record to 12-5-4. 

"It was nice to have my stick in on every goal," Murphy said.  "It's not too often that happens and it's obviously great to get the win too so it was a great team effort." 

Tonight's contest propels the Purple Eagles to a first-place tie with the Air Force Falcons heading into the final day of the regular season. The Falcons hold the tie-breaker with the Purple Eagles.   

"I thought tonight's effort from start to finish, five-on-five especially, was great," head coach David Burkholder said.  "We played very well tonight.  This team has been through a lot this year and we're playing for a regular season championship tomorrow.  It is something these guys will take with them forever and it will be another banner at the Dwyer." 
 
In a fast paced, physical opening frame, both teams traded powerplay goals to make it a 1-1 game headed into the second period.  The Tigers grabbed the lead with 9:03 on the clock.  Sophomore defender Greg Noyes slipped a pass to an open Mike Colavecchia at the top of the crease who tapped it in past the outstretched Noonan.

With less than five minutes left in the period, Murphy evened it at one apiece for his seventh of the season.  Divjak ripped a shot from the top of the slot before it was tipped in under the pads of goalie Shane Madolara by Murphy. 

Divjak tallied the Purple Eagles' second powerplay goal of the night in the second period at the 13:32 mark.  Kohls connected with Divjak before he wristed a high shot over the shoulder of Madolara.  With a little over two minutes remaining in the second stanza, Murphy tallied his second goal of the night and eighth of the season off feeds from freshman Kevin Albers and junior Jeff Hannan.    

Murphy completed his three-goal night with an empty net goal, solidifying the win for Niagara. 

"It was great, starting from the net out," Murphy added.  "Noonan played a great game down the stretch.  All the defensemen played well and we were firing up front.  Working together on a unit like that, we can't be beat." 
 
Since Jan. 6, 1997, Niagara is 9-0-4 against RIT, outscoring their Western New York rival 50-28 in its last 13 meetings.  The Purple Eagles are 6-0-2 in their last eight regular season home games since the 2004-05 season.   
 
The Purple Eagles travel to Ritter Arena tomorrow to wrap up their regular season schedule against the Tigers at 7:05 p.m.