Niagara University, N.Y.— On Thursday, Niagara hockey head coach Jason Lammers announced the addition of Brian Gionta to the Purple Eagle coaching staff as the Director of Player Development. 
 

The former NHLer is excited to join the Purple Eagle program and share his experience with the student-athletes. "I am excited to join a great staff led by Jason Lammers and pass on my experiences and aid the development of current and future Purple Eagles."

Gionta is a native of Rochester, N.Y., and played 16 seasons in the NHL with four organizations, including the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, and the Boston Bruins. He spent his collegiate career at Boston College from 1997-2001. In 164 games with the Eagles, he scored 123 goals while registering 232 total points.
 

In 2006 and again in 2018, Gionta suited up for Team USA in the Olympics.
 

Gionta played 1,026 games in the NHL while tallying 291 goals and 304 assists for 595 points while being the captain of the Canadians and the Sabres. He also donned the 'C' for Team USA in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
 

"Brian's commitment to developing players and helping them reach their full potential is his priority," said Lammers. "Brian's strong leadership skills and passion for the game are Uncommon and will bring a new level of development for our student-athletes both on and off the ice to the program."
 

Niagara returns to Dwyer Arena on Friday, January 13th, for an Atlantic Hockey matchup against Bentley, with puck drop scheduled for 5:05 PM. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling (716)286-TIXX.

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