Niagara University, N.Y. – Maxim Muranov's hat trick powered Niagara to a 4-1 victory over Army West Point on Saturday night at Dwyer Arena, as the Purple Eagles improved to 5-6-0 on the season.

The opening frame belonged to the goaltenders as both teams struggled to find the back of the net despite plenty of chances. Niagara outshot Army 18-9, but Jacob Biron stood tall in the Army net. Tomas Anderson matched Biron's effort for the Purple Eagles, turning away all nine shots he faced.

The Purple Eagles broke through midway through the period when Muranov opened the scoring at 13:18 with assists from Declan McDonnell and Jacob Maillet. 

Just 44 seconds later, Lane Brockhoff doubled the lead with what would prove to be the game-winning goal, assisted by Spencer Young and Muranov.

Army responded late in the period when Owen Nolan cut the deficit to 2-1 with just 33 seconds remaining, assisted by Barron Woodring.

The Black Knights took a five minute major that led to a Purple Eagles power play. Muranov capitalized on the extended power play at 8:15, beating Biron for his second goal of the night with helpers from Young and Nathan Oickle to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Muranov sealed his hat trick at 18:50, firing into the empty net with an assist from Maillet to complete the 4-1 victory.

Anderson earned the win with 20 saves on 21 shots, while Biron took the loss despite making 38 saves for Army. 

Game Notes

Niagara is now 24-15-3 all-time against Army.

Muranov's hat-trick was the first by a Purple Eagle since Reed Robinson against Canisius on Nov. 17, 2018.

The Purple Eagles won the faceoff battle 41-29.

Anderson is the first freshman Purple Eagles goaltender to sweep a weekend since Chad Veltri against Robert Morris Feb. 28, 2020 - Feb. 29, 2020.

Muranov's four point game is the first by a Purple Eagle since Carter Randklev against Sacred Heart on March 4, 2023.

Up Next

Niagara stays at home to face instate rival RIT Tuesday October 17 at 7 pm inside Dwyer Arena.