Friday, Jan. 19: Live Video | Live Audio | Live Stats | Game Notes 
Saturday, Jan. 20: Live Video | Live Audio | Live Stats | Game Notes 

Games 25-26
Niagara Purple Eagles (10-12-2, 9-7-2 AHC) at Holy Cross Crusaders (9-8-7, 8-4-6 AHC)
Friday, January 19 – 7:05 PM / Saturday, January 20 – 7:05 PM
Hart Center – Worcester, Mass.
Broadcast: AtlanticHockey.tv
Radio: WLVL 1340 AM - Jeremy White
Internet: Niagara Sports Network

The Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team takes on the Holy Cross Crusaders in a two-game series in Massachusetts this weekend, ending a four-game road trip and a stretch of 12 road games out of 16 for the Purple Eagles. This weekend's series pits two of the top three teams in Atlantic Hockey against each other, as Holy Cross sits tied for first at 22 points, with Niagara close behind in third at 20 points.

Both of this weekend's games can be streamed live through AtlanticHockey.tv, and Jeremy White has the play-by-play call all weekend on WLVL 1340 AM.

What to Watch For
• This weekend's series at Holy Cross for the Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team marks the end of a mid-season stretch with 12 out of 16 games on the road.
• The Purple Eagles are looking to rebound from a pair of 3-2 losses to Mercyhurst last weekend, the team's first one-goal losses in conference play after starting 5-0 in that category. 
• Nick Farmer (2+0), Justin Kendall (1+1) and Zach Mills (1+1) scored one point each night for the Purple Eagles at Mercyhurst, and goaltender Brian Wilson totaled 51 saves on the weekend.
• Niagara senior forward Derian Plouffe and sophomore defenseman Noah Delmas were announced Tuesday as nominees for the 2018 Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in college hockey.
• Plouffe leads Niagara and is fourth in the AHC with 26 points (13+13). He is tied for the conference lead in power-play points (11) and shorthanded goals (two) and is tied for second with four game-winning goals.
• Delmas is third in the country in points by a defenseman with 22 points (2+20), and his 20 assists lead all defensemen and all AHC skaters. He is also tied with Plouffe for the team and conference  lead in power-play points at 11.
• With Plouffe, Delmas, and Tanner Lomsnes (13+7) leading the way, Niagara has a trio of 20-point scorers for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign.
• Holy Cross holds a 15-9-1 edge in the all-time series with the Purple Eagles, and Niagara is 6-9-0 at the Hart Center.

Scouting the Crusaders
• The Holy Cross Crusaders host the Purple Eagles this weekend as part of a five-game home stand. After being swept by AIC Jan. 5 and 6, Holy Cross rebounded to sweep Sacred Heart in a home-and-home series last weekend.
• Holy Cross is tied with Canisius for first place in Atlantic Hockey at 22 points, with Niagara close behind at 20 points.
• Holy Cross leads the all-time series with Niagara 15-9-1.
• Crusaders forward Scott Pooley leads the NCAA with 18 goals this season, adding 10 assists to sit second in the AHC at 28 points. Pooley is a nominee for the 2018 Hobey Baker Award.
• Michael Laffin ranks second on Holy Cross with 20 points (9+11) while TJ Moore has a team-high 12 assists. Danny Lopez was named AHC Player of the Week on Tuesday after a five-point effort in the Sacred Heart series and is third on the Crusaders with 16 points.
• Senior goaltender Paul Berrafato, a WIlliamsville native, has played every minute between the pipes for the Crusaders this season. He leads the AHC in save percentage (.923) and is second in goals-against average (2.42).

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for hockey updates, follow Niagara hockey on Twitter and Instagram. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook.com/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.