ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Noah Delmas etched his name into the record books during a 3-2 loss at RIT on Saturday night. The senior captain broke Chris Mackenzie's ('00) program records for most assists (78) and points (98) by a defenseman after tying both marks against the Tigers at home last night.
 
Game Recap

• RIT took a 1-0 lead into the second period, but opened the frame with two players in the penalty box, giving Niagara a 5-on-3 for 1:18. 1:15 into the stanza, the Purple Eagles tied the game, and Delmas made history in the process. The senior captain dropped the puck off for Ben Sokay, who took his time to find a seam and drove the puck over the glove of the RIT goalie.

Make 'em wait, make 'em wait, make 'em wait a little more, then BAM!

Sokay capitalizes with three seconds left in the 5-on-3 to tie the game!#Uncommon pic.twitter.com/SmtxxkQzIh

— Niagara Hockey (@NiagaraMHKY) February 23, 2020

• Later in the period, the Purple Eagles pressed RIT into a turnover in its own defensive end. A desperate, centering pass from the boards missed its mark and was picked up by Ryan Naumovski. The freshman wasted no time in getting the puck on net, firing a shot through with the Tigers quickly but fruitlessly trying to bear down on him.

NIAGARA LEADS! The Purple Eagles create a turnover in the RIT zone and Naumovski says "THANK YA"

It's 2-1 Niagara.#Uncommon pic.twitter.com/usxAWF5GW6

— Niagara Hockey (@NiagaraMHKY) February 23, 2020

 
Stat Spotlight

• Delmas still has two other program records within reach. One more goal will break his tie with Mackenzie for the most goals by a Niagara defenseman (20). If he plays in four more games, he will reach 148 games played and set a new program record for most appearances. The Purple Eagles are scheduled to play in at least four more games, with two regular season games and at least two games in a best-of-three series in the Atlantic Hockey playoffs.
• Delmas can also become the first Purple Eagle blueliner to reach 100 career points by posting just two more points.

Aaaaaaaaaaand we aren't done yet. Delmas' assist ALSO made him the program's all-time leader in points by a defenseman.

What an accomplishment. Congrats, Delly!#Uncommon | #EaglesTakeFlight pic.twitter.com/GUH6Qs0WUG

— Niagara Hockey (@NiagaraMHKY) February 23, 2020

 
Playoff Picture

• Niagara's result coupled with the outcomes of other league games mean the Purple Eagles remain in seventh place in the conference standings. The team sits five points behind Robert Morris, who currently owns the fifth seed and the final first round bye.

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles will attempt to wrestle the fifth seed away from Robert Morris during the final series of the regular season on February 28-29. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster or by contacting the ticket office at 716-286-TIXX And as always, Coach Lammers encourages all fans to attend his public press conference following the conclusion of the game.

 
 
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