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Posted on September 1, 2010 by Niagara University Press Report
 The Niagara volleyball team opens its 2010 home schedule with a Big 4 match against the Buffalo Bulls on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The Purple Eagles will have their 2009 NCAA Tournament banner ceremony prior to the start of the match. Niagara set a program record with 23 wins en route to claiming its first-ever MAAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
NU enters its home opener 2-1 on the season after beginning its campaign participating at the La Salle Invitational in Philadelphia last weekend. The Purple Eagles coasted to two-straight wins over Hartford (3-0) and La Salle (3-0) before falling versus Valparaiso 3-1 in the title match.
NU Volleyball to Unveil Banner Wednesday Night – continue reading…
 Recent Niagara men’s hockey alums Juliano Pagliero (’09), Egor Mironov (’10) and Ryan Olidis (’10) have all recently signed pro contracts with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League.
After a year of playing pro hockey in Italy, one of Niagara’s best goalies is back playing hockey in North America. As a Purple Eagle, Pagliero was a rock, finishing with a 47-32-11 record, a 2.61 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. The Dalroy, Alberta natives collegiate career was littered with awards and accolades, earning the College Hockey America Player of the Year award as a senior, while also earning All-CHA Second Team laurels as a sophomore, and First Team honors as a junior and a senior.
Three NU Hockey Alums Sign With The Killer Bees – continue reading…
 The defending MAAC Champion Niagara volleyball team has been voted as the preseason favorite to defend its crown by the league’s coaches announced on Tuesday. Two Purple Eagles were named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.
The Purple Eagles, who claimed their first-ever MAAC Championship last season, finished atop of the poll with 93 points. Niagara returns all 10 letterwinners from last season’s team which set a school record with 23 wins.
Fairfield placed second with 92 points and was followed by Marist (68), Siena (66), Iona (58), Loyola (57), Canisius (44), Saint Peter’s (29), Manhattan (28) and Rider (15).
Niagara Volleyball Tops MAAC Preseason Poll – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s soccer team was picked fourth in the 2010 MAAC Preseason Poll voted on by the league’s 10 head coaches announced on Wednesday. Senior midfielder Levi Tesch was selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team for the second-straight season.
Niagara head coach Dermot McGrane led the Purple Eagles to their first-ever MAAC Championship Final last season where they fell in overtime to the Loyola Greyhounds. Loyola has been picked to repeat, claiming 96 points to earn the top spot in the poll, while Fairfield and Iona tied for second place with 81 points.
Niagara Soccer Tabbed Fourth In MAAC Preseason Poll – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey alum and Buffalo native Chris Moran (’10) has become the third Purple Eagle from last year’s senior class to sign a professional contract, inking a deal to play for the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League.
“Moran had an amazing career here at Niagara,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “He has so much skill and truly loves the game of hockey. He will be a great addition to Elmira and we thank him for all that he did for Niagara hockey.”
The 5-foot-11 playmaking forward averaged nearly a point a game during his career, finishing with 141 points (38-103-141) in 146 games. Moran’s name can be found numerous times in the Niagara record books, currently topping the career assists list (103), most rookie assists (31) and the career games played list (146), while finishing fourth in career points (141).
Niagara Hockey Player Chris Moran Signs Pro Deal – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s hockey team enters its first year as a member of the Atlantic Hockey Association with a 34-game slate, featuring three games against 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Finalist RIT and first-time matchups against four different teams.
The Purple Eagles take flight on Oct. 9, opening the 2010-11 at home against Merrimack, exactly one week after a scrimmage against York (Canada). Many longtime Purple Eagle fans will have Oct. 15 circled on their calendars, as former head coach Blaise McDonald and his UMass-Lowell team will come to Dwyer Arena to challenge Niagara.
Niagara Releases 2010-11 Men’s Hockey Schedule – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey alum Sean Bentivoglio (2003-07) has signed a one-year deal to play for the Augsburger Panthers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany.
Bentivoglio spent the last three seasons playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, appearing in one National Hockey League contest for the parent team, the New York Islanders on April 2, 2009. In 241 career AHL games split between the Providence Bruins and the Sound Tigers, the Ontario native notched 44 goals, 79 assists and 123 points. The former Purple Eagle is coming off of a career year, where he scored 19 goals, 26 assists and 45 points in 80 games for Bridgeport.
As a Purple Eagle, Bentivoglio was one of the best players ever to don the purple and white. The standout forward scored 43 goals, 89 assists and 132 points in 145 games at Niagara, including a trip to the 2004 NCAA Tournament as the CHA Tournament Champion. Bentivoglio’s numbers still stand tall in the Niagara career record books, as he is currently seventh in points and tied for second in assists (89).
Former NU Hockey Star Bentivoglio Signs In Germany – continue reading…
 The Niagara University men’s basketball program announced its 2010-11 non-conference schedule on Wednesday. The competition includes four games as part of the Legends Classic as well as the annual BracketBusters event. In all, the team will play 13 nonconference games with four to be played at the ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center.
The regular season gets underway Nov. 17 when Niagara hosts Milwaukee. Two days later, the Purple Eagles will play at Georgia Tech as part of the Legends Classic. A home game against Mount St. Mary’s on Nov. 22 will be followed by three more games under the Legends Classic umbrella. Those will take place in Detroit against Detroit, Bowling Green and Albany on Nov. 26-28, respectively.
Niagara Men’s Basketball Announces Non-Conference Schedule – continue reading…
Posted on July 13, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 Niagara men’s hockey alum Tyler Gotto (’10) has become the latest Purple Eagle to join the professional ranks, signing a contract to play with the Toledo Walleye of the East Coast Hockey League. The Walleye are the ECHL affiliate of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Redwings.
“Tyler has been a role model on and off the ice during his career at Niagara,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “He is an outstanding player and even better person. I wish him well as he starts his well-deserved pro career.”
The six foot tall blueliner from Calgary, Alberta had a solid career at Niagara, accumulating 18 goals, 62 assists and 80 points in 141 games. Gotto earned a plethora of College Hockey America accolades, including being named to the 2007 CHA All-Rookie Team and three consecutive All-CHA Second Team honors (2008-10). Gotto went out with a bang, as during his senior year he set a career-high in goals (11), points (25) and power-play goals (3).
Tyler Gotto Inks Pro Deal With Toledo – continue reading…
 One week after teammate Jason Beattie participated in the Philadelphia Flyers Prospect Camp, Niagara men’s hockey forward Bryan Haczyk will participate in the 2010 New Jersey Devils Prospect Camp.
The Nutley, N.J. native is coming off of a career-year, where he set new career-highs in goals (9), assists (13) and points (22). The two-time CHA All-Academic Team honoree is Niagara’s leading scorer amongst returning student-athletes for the 2010-11 season.
Beattie and Haczyk are following in the footsteps of several Purple Eagle alumni that have attended NHL development camps, including Egor Mironov (2009 – Toronto), Juliano Pagliero (2008 – Ottawa), Ted Cook (Buffalo), Kyle Rogers (2008 – Toronto), Scott Langdon (2008 – Toronto), Matt Caruana (Anaheim – 2008) and Sean Bentivoglio (2007 & 2008 – New York Islanders).
The Purple Eagles begin play in the Atlantic Hockey Association in the fall.
 Niagara men’s hockey head coach Dave Burkholder has agreed to a contract extension, as announced by Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin on Wednesday. Terms of the extension were not disclosed.
“Coach Burkholder is an important member of the Niagara University community and we want to make sure we keep him,” McLaughlin said. “He produces model student-athletes and successful alumni every year. Niagara hockey is in good hands with him.”
A member of the coaching staff since the team was founded in 1996, Burkholder is entering his 10th season as head coach of the Purple Eagles. As a head coach, Burkholder has earned a pair of CHA Coach of the Year awards, two CHA Tournament Championships, a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament and two CHA Regular Season crowns in his first nine seasons. He boasts an overall record of 156-141-32.
Niagara’s Burkholder Agrees to Contract Extension – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey blueliner Jason Beattie is participating in the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers Prospect Camp this week, as announced by the NHL club.
The 2010 College Hockey America All-Rookie Team member is one of the 11 defensemen on a roster of 35 players who are attending the camp. In his freshman year at Niagara, Beattie scored two goals, three assists and five points in 30 games. The Ontario native also became known for his punishing physical play this year, finishing checks hard.
Niagara’s Beattie Participating in Flyers Prospect Camp – continue reading…
 Niagara University Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin has been named Chair of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee. McLaughlin will officially assume his duties on Sept. 1.
“I am honored to serve as the chair of the committee,” McLaughlin said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the rules committee and the NCAA staff to make college hockey the best it can be.”
McLaughlin has been a member on the rules committee since September 2008 and will serve the final two years as chair of the committee. As chair, McLaughlin will coordinate and run all committee meetings, conference calls and presentations to coaching associations, administrators and officiating groups. The chair is also authorized to speak on behalf of the committee and NCAA on any issues related to the committee’s work.
NU’s McLaughlin Named Chair Of NCAA Hockey Rules Committee – continue reading…
Posted on June 26, 2010 by Niagara Press Reports
 Niagara men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich has announced the signing of five members to the 2010-11 Purple Eagles team. The recruiting class features four backcourt players and one forward.
“Our 2010 recruiting class has a common theme in that they are all tough, all very competitive and all played on highly successful teams in very good leagues,” Mihalich said. “We are very excited to have them and look forward to watching them grow on and off the court. This group brings outstanding guard play and a post player with a big upside; and while these five guys are ready to help right away, their future is even brighter.”
Niagara Men’s Hoops Welcomes Five Newcomers – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey alum Jim Burichin (’10) will move onto the professional hockey ranks after signing a one-year deal with the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League, as announced by the team on Monday.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to play for the Brahmas,” Burichin said. “Being able to play professional hockey is a dream come true for me. I am very fortunate to have played for Niagara, which helped me build a foundation in order to take my game to the next level.”
The Strongsville, Ohio native will join the Brahmas after playing 97 games on the blueline for the Purple Eagles, scoring three goals, 10 assists and 13 points. Burichin’s strong work ethic and leadership abilities helped to solidify a blueline which advanced to the College Hockey America Championship game in 2008 and 2010, with the Purple Eagles taking home the 2008 title.
NU’s Burichin Signs With Texas Brahmas – continue reading…
Posted on May 19, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 The Niagara baseball team controls its own destiny for a spot in next weekend’s MAAC Tournament, and hosts a three-game set with rival Canisius on Thursday and Friday at Sal Maglie Stadium.
The Purple Eagles are currently in a three-way tie for fourth place with Rider and Siena. Niagara owns the tie breaker over both schools after taking two of three in road series earlier this season.
Nine seniors, including Matt Wietlispach and Jason Cramer, will play their final games at Sal Maglie Stadium. Wietlispach leads the team in overall batting, with a .329 average, while Cramer is right behind him, hitting .328. In MAAC games, Cramer leads the way with a .402 clip, while Wietlispach is second at .337.
Niagara, Canisius Set To Clash In Regular-Season Finale – continue reading…
Posted on May 18, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 Niagara women’s basketball coach Kendra Faustin has announced the 2010-11 recruiting class. Five new members will wear the Purple and White for next season’s team.
“I am proud to bring this group of young women to Niagara University to be a part of our program,” Faustin said. “Not only will they help our program to be successful on the court, but they are all quality young women who will exceptionally represent our program and university in the classroom and the community.”
Jazmyne Frost (6-1, Forward, South Euclid, Ohio /Charles F. Brush High School)
Frost proved to be a go-to player for Brush High School as she paced her team to a 2009-10 Northeast Ohio Conference Championship and District Championship; averaging 8.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg. The forward from South Euclid earned All-Conference recognition as a junior and led the conference in rebounding. She was named All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore.
NU Women’s Basketball Unveils 2010-11 Recruiting Class – continue reading…
Posted on May 17, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 The Niagara baseball team (12-9 MAAC) stayed alive in the MAAC playoff picture with a wild weekend sweep of Saint Peter’s (6-18 MAAC) on Sunday, winning the finale, 9-8. Trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning, the Purple Eagles used a seven-run seventh to take the lead but still needed a walk-off single in the ninth inning for the win.
Freshman first baseman Ryan McCauley slapped a single to right field to score senior outfielder Matt Wietlispach in the bottom of the ninth. Wietlispach led off the inning with a line drive to right and advanced to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by junior Cam Stykemain.
The victory moves Niagara into a three-way tie for fourth place in the MAAC. NU, Rider and Siena all sit at 12-9 with one series to go. Niagara owns the tie-breaker over both schools, thanks to a pair of 2-1 road series victories to start conference play.
Niagara Baseball Keeps MAAC Playoffs Hopes Alive With Sweep – continue reading…
Posted on May 15, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 Junior second baseman Teresa Healy’s outstanding season was rewarded with being recognized as the 2010 MAAC Softball Player of the Year. Healy has set a school single-season record with 44 RBIs and led the conference with 60 hits.
Healy was selected as the 2010 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year in February and her on field performance merited the award. Healy led the MAAC with a .455 batting average and a .765 slugging percentage. Healy leads Niagara in eight offensive categories and was named MAAC Player of the Week twice during the season. Healy becomes the second Purple Eagle to be named Player of the Year; centerfielder Felicia Coffey was named Co-POY in 2008.
Four Purple Eagles were named to the All-MAAC Second Team: infielder Maggie McDonald, outfielder Jenna Baker and Kristin Kill, and pitcher Julie DiMatteo.
Niagara’s Healy Named 2010 MAAC Softball Player Of The Year – continue reading…
Posted on May 14, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 The third-seeded Niagara Purple Eagles (21-21) fell in extra innings on a walkoff home run by the No. 2 seed Iona Gaels, 3-1, in the 2010 MAAC Championship First Round on a rainy Thursday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex.
“It was a great game,” head coach Al Dirschberger said. “I thought we gave a great effort and played well all the way to the last play.”
Today’s game was a rematch of May 1st pitchers’ duel between Niagara’s Julie DiMatteo (14-6) and Iona’s Sarah Jackson (16-6) in which Iona escaped with a 3-2 win. Today’s game proved to be another battle between the two as DiMatteo put her 2-1 record and 0.72 ERA in MAAC Tournament games on the line.
NU Softball Edged By Iona 3-1 in MAAC Tourney – continue reading…
Posted on May 5, 2010 by Canisius Press Report
 Junior Steve McQuail hit a walk-off homer in the 10th inning to give the Canisius College baseball team an 18-17 victory over rival Niagara at the Demske Sports Complex on Wednesday. The Golden Griffins improve to 31-16 overall.
Canisius hit a school-record six homers in the day, with McQuail and senior Shayne Willson each hitting two with Perry Silverman and Brian Burton also hitting a homer. Willson reached base in all six of his plate appearances, to go along with five runs scored. Silverman was 4-for-7 with three runs scored, leading off the game with a homer. Senior Paul Panik was 2-for-5 with four RBI.
Canisius responded to Niagara’s first-inning run with four runs of its own in the bottom of the first. Silverman led off with a homer into the Canisius bullpen in center field. The Griffs then got a two-RBI single from Panik and RBI single from Drew Pettit to take a 4-1 lead.
Canisius & Niagara hate good pitching – continue reading…
Posted on April 15, 2010 by UB Press Report
 The University at Buffalo baseball team erupted for nine runs in the top of the fifth including 16 unanswered runs en route to defeating Niagara, 21-4 on Wednesday evening at Sal Maglie Stadium. In the mid-week victory, the Bulls improved to 15-15 overall.
Holding a 5-3 lead after four complete innings, the Bulls erupted for nine runs, their most runs scored in an inning this season, to take a 14-3 lead. With the bases loaded, senior shortstop Jacob Rosenbeck drilled a two-RBI shot to left center, following an RBI single by senior designated hitter Brad Cochrane at the beginning of the inning to give the Bulls an 8-3 lead. Next up, freshman third baseman Alex Baldock belted a two-RBI base hit into left center to further the Bulls’ lead to 10-3.
UB throttles Niagara in baseball, 21-4 – continue reading…
Posted on April 8, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 Senior Chris Moran has been selected to represent the Niagara University men’s hockey team at the fifth annual NCAA Frozen Four Skills Competition on Friday, April 9 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. The all-time Niagara leader in assists (103) will compete for the Western team.
Moran had a solid four year career at Niagara, finishing fourth on the all-time points list (141), while leading his team in points the last two seasons.
The Buffalo, N.Y. native is the fifth Purple Eagle (third male athlete) to have earned this selection, as Justin Cross (’06) took part in the inaugural skills challenge and Sean Bentivoglio (’07) was chosen for the 2007 edition. Shannon Moulson (’08) and Allison Rutledge (’07) were both chosen to represent the Niagara women’s team in the event, with Moulson participating in 2008.
Moran To Participate In NCAA Skills Competition – continue reading…
Posted on April 8, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 The Niagara University Cheerleaders took first place at the Cheerleaders of America (COA) National Cheerleading Competition over the holiday weekend, in Orlando, Fla. The competition hosts over 250 teams from across the country competing in the two day event. The first-place finish gave Niagara a US Final Qualifier bid.
The squad of 24 girls has been working on their routine since October. Captains Bethany Wood, Deanna Klemann and Megan Abraham explained that this was a big win not only for the seniors but for the recognition of cheerleading at Niagara.
NU Cheerleaders Claim Championship in National Event – continue reading…
Posted on April 1, 2010 by Niagara Press Report
 The Niagara softball team’s 2010 home opener against archrival Canisius on Saturday, April 3 will be the inaugural “Pitch for Pink” series between the two softball programs. The “Pitch for Pink” games are an effort to bring local awareness to breast cancer.
The softball team will be the third women’s team to promote breast health awareness through games this season. The doubleheader will have a pink theme, just like the basketball’s “Pink Zone” game and the hockey’s “Pink the Rink” game. Niagara will don pink shirts during the game, while Canisius will wear white shirts with pink lettering.
Several members of the softball team have family members affected by breast cancer. Junior infielder Maggie McDonald’s mother, Michelle McDonald, is a breast cancer survivor and will throw the first pitch to her daughter.
Softball Home Opener To Promote Breast Health Awareness – continue reading…
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