Niagara University, N.Y. – Men's hockey capitalized on a hot start to defeat Air Force 4-2 in Atlantic Hockey action Saturday night inside Dwyer Arena.
The Purple Eagles improved to 9-17-1 overall and 6-12-1 in conference play, while the Falcons fell to 14-12-2, 10-9-1 AHA.
Niagara wasted no time establishing dominance, building a commanding 3-0 lead through 20 minutes of play.
The Purple Eagles capitalized on their opportunities while Anderson stood tall, turning away all 11 Air Force shots in the opening frame.
Davis Codd opened the scoring at 3:22, converting the game's first goal with assists from Noah Hackett and Jonathan Ziskie.
The Purple Eagles extended their advantage on the power play at 13:42 when Glebs Prohorenkovs netted his first goal of the season. Ross Roloson and Declan McDonnell assisted on the man-advantage marker, giving Niagara a 2-0 cushion.
Just 80 seconds later, Jonathan Ziskie added what would prove to be the game-winning goal at finishing off excellent passing from Roloson and Spencer Young to push the lead to 3-0.
The Purple Eagles capitalized on their opportunities while Anderson stood tall, turning away all 10 Air Force shots in the opening frame.
The second period was a defensive contest with neither team budging. Despite being outshot 10-4 in the period, Niagara maintained their 3-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes, with Anderson's goaltending standing tall.
The Falcons finally broke through in the third period at 9:01. Will Dawson converted on the man-advantage with assists from Sam Stitz and Chris Hedden to cut Niagara's lead to 3-1.
At 13:47, Brendan Gibbons pulled Air Force within one goal, finishing an even-strength play assisted by Mason McCormick.
Dallon Melin gave Niagara some extra insurance, beating Falcons netminder Dominik Waisk at 18:17 with assists from Marshall Finnie and Noah Hackett, extending the lead back to 4-2 and effectively sealing the victory.
Coaches Thoughts
Game Notes
Niagara is now 45-39-8 all-time against Air Force
Prohorenkovs recorded his first goal of the season and first since 2/11/25 against Canisius
Codd found the back of the net for the first time since his first game of the season against Clarkson on 1/3/26
The Purple Eagles won the face-off battle 37-25 with Prohorenkovs leading with way with 12 wins
Anderson recorded his first win since 11/15/25 against Army
Up Next
Niagara stays at home to take on Robert Morris Friday February 13 at 6 pm inside Dwyer Arena.
