By Michael Canfield

Noah Hackett has already worked through the difficult part of staying.

An injury limited him to three games as a Niagara freshman. His sophomore season brought uncertainty about his place in the lineup. But Hackett and the coaching staff developed a plan, and he committed to seeing it through.

Now entering his fifth year, he knows how he wants that story to end.

"The only way I want to finish my career is winning a championship in Niagara," Hackett said. "I couldn't imagine it going any other way."

That ambition runs through the Purple Eagles' locker room as Niagara prepares for the upcoming season. After a year that fell short of their expectations, returning players describe a group determined to turn its familiarity, trust and daily work into a championship.

Head coach Jason Lammers hears the message, too.

"When the room believes it, that changes everything," Lammers said. "I haven't seen this kind of committed faith here in my time."

For Niagara, the challenge is turning that belief into results. The Purple Eagles are counting on an experienced core to lead the way, while changes on defense and a focus on finishing scoring chances address areas Lammers believes can make a significant difference.

The foundation, players say, was established before they returned to campus.

"We're already super close," Young said. "I think it's easier to welcome in new guys when you have a lot of older guys that can help bring them in."

That connection develops in places beyond the rink. Players gather for wing nights, golf outings and football games. They make an effort to include everyone, understanding that the relationships formed during those ordinary moments can matter when the season becomes difficult.

Young described the team's guiding principle as "we then me"—putting collective success ahead of individual accomplishments.

"I think we have in the room a good bond and a work ethic that can separate ourselves throughout the months," Young said. "It really comes down to your consistency and if you're doing stuff every day."

Senior Ross Roloson sees the same urgency among players who have spent years working toward a shared goal.

"There's a lot of seniors in here that are hungry for it," Roloson said. "We've been going for it for three, four years as a crew."

That history gives the season added meaning. Roloson said playing alongside familiar teammates creates a responsibility to one another, with each player invested in helping the others succeed.

Early practices have reflected that commitment. Roloson described healthy competition as returning players and newcomers push for opportunities and establish the standard for the season.

Hackett believes the group's decision to remain together gives Niagara a head start.

"It started last year in the spring, having guys that wanted to be here," he said.

His own commitment grew from the patience and trust he experienced during his first two seasons. When playing time was limited, the coaching staff continued to invest in his development. He responded by doing the work.

"The loyalty is going both ways," Hackett said. "I think that's just the best part about it."

For Lammers, that progression represents an essential part of coaching: helping a player grow through difficulty and emerge ready for a larger role.

"He could have quit. He could have left. He didn't," Lammers said. "He lived the plan."

On the ice, Niagara's next step begins with how it moves the puck.

Lammers identified three priorities for his defensemen: cleaner breakouts, quicker puck movement to initiate offense, and tighter gaps to stop opponents before they can establish possession.

The coaching staff recruited with those needs in mind, bringing in players it believes can help Niagara spend less time trying to recover the puck and more time attacking with it.

"We were very specific and very intentional about going after a certain type of a player," Lammers said.

A defense that can stop a rush and move the puck quickly can change the opportunities available to the forwards. Instead of working back repeatedly to defend, Niagara wants to get moving up ice and force opponents to react.

"I want us to have the puck," Lammers said.

Converting that possession into goals is another priority. Lammers believes Niagara has created opportunities but needs to finish more of them. The staff sought additional scoring ability while also expecting returning players to take another step.

He pointed to the balance of returning and incoming forwards as reasons for optimism up front. Their contributions, along with growth throughout the lineup, will be important as Niagara works to make its offensive opportunities count.

In net, newcomer Charles-Edward Gravel joins established Purple Eagles Tomas Anderson and Deivs Rolovs in working to keep the puck out of the net. Gravel is a sophomore who comes to Niagara from Mercyhurst. 

The stakes start immediately. Niagara opens against conference rival RIT, giving the Purple Eagles an early opportunity to establish themselves in the Atlantic Hockey race.

Hackett understands how much those opening games could matter months later.

"Those could be a very important six points come March," he said.

For Young, the goal extends from a conference championship to competing for a national title. He also recognizes that setting the goal is only the beginning. The separation will come through the habits Niagara maintains across the season.

Lammers shares that ambition. He expects challenges and uneven stretches, but he is encouraged that the drive is coming from the players themselves.

"At the end of the day, it has to come from the room," he said.