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Niagara
 Niagara legend Frank Layden (’55) returns to the Gallagher Center to have his jersey retired on Saturday, Feb. 11 when the Purple Eagles host Rider at 2 p.m.
“I’m thrilled to be coming home to join such great friends and teammates in this wonderful honor,” Layden said.
Layden, who played for Niagara from 1951-55 under John ‘Taps’ Gallagher, is a pro and collegiate basketball coaching legend. He led his alma mater for eight seasons, including taking Niagara to the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament in 1970. Layden and future Naismith Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy helped Niagara defeat No. 7 Penn, 79-69, in the NCAA Tournament First Round and finished fourth in the East Regional. Layden finished his coaching tenure at Niagara at the end of the 1976 season with 119 career wins, which were second at the time to John ‘Taps’ Gallagher.
Frank Layden To Have Jersey Retired On Saturday – continue reading…
 Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and Niagara legend Calvin Murphy will be in town to watch the Purple Eagles host Loyola and Manhattan this weekend.
Murphy will be in attendance to watch the men’s basketball team host Loyola on Friday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Murphy will have his No. 23 banner retired during Niagara’s ESPN3 matchup against Manhattan starting at 4 p.m.
The first 300 fans in attendance for Sunday’s game will receive a commemorative item and there will be an autograph session with Murphy postgame.
Calvin Murphy Returns To Town This Weekend – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s basketball guard Antoine Mason was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week.
Mason averaged 20.5 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game and 2.5 steals per game as Niagara went 1-1 in MAAC action last weekend. Mason has led the Purple Eagles in scoring in the last three games which includes scoring a game-high 22 points in Thursday’s win over archrival Canisius. Mason went 7-for-16 from the field, made a game-high seven free throws (7-for-8), and had six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mason had a 19-point effort on Sunday at Manhattan where he added four rebounds and tied a game-high three steals.
Niagara (9-12, 4-5 MAAC) returns to the Gallagher Center for two games this weekend. The Purple Eagles will host Loyola (14-5, 7-2 MAAC) on Friday at 7 p.m. and welcome Manhattan (14-7, 7-2 MAAC) on Sunday for the National MAAC Game of the Week airing on ESPN3 at 4 p.m
 Niagara University Athletics will induct former men’s basketball player Daryl Greene (’02) and men’s hockey standout Joe Tallari (’04) into the Hall of Fame on Friday, Feb. 10.
Niagara University alumnus and former men’s basketball coach Frank Layden (’55) will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Layden, who played for the Purple Eagles and served as coach from 1968-76, will have his jersey retired at a halftime ceremony on Feb. 11 versus Rider (2 p.m. tip-off) and hung in the rafters at the Gallagher Center.
Greene, a 6-foot-1 guard from Largo, Md., finished his four-year run on Monteagle Ridge as one of the top guards in the program’s storied history. Greene finished his career ranking in the top-10 in scoring and is currently 14th all-time in scoring with 1,375 points. Greene also ranks 10th all-time in assists (377) and 10th in steals per game (1.3).
Greene, Tallari Elected Into Niagara Athletics Hall Of Fame – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey junior Jeff Hannan is being honored by the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) as a “Local Hero”, starting on Monday.
The Venetia, Pa. native is being honored by the Pittsburgh Youth Hockey Network, operated by the Penguins, as part of the “Local Hero” video series. The ”Local Hero” video series honors collegiate hockey players from the Keystone State, highlighting their road to collegiate hockey.
Hannan has appeared in 48 career games for Niagara, scoring six goals, seven assists and 13 points.
Hannan’s father Dave played 16 seasons in the NHL, spending the bulk of his career with the Penguins. The elder Hannan won Stanley Cups with Edmonton in 1988 and Colorado in 1996.
 Marvin Jordan and Juan’ya Green each had 20-plus scoring outputs to help lead the Niagara Purple Eagles to a 92-75 win over the UMBC Retrievers on Wednesday.
“I thought we did what we had to do tonight,” head coach Joe Mihalich said. “We played a team that was down, but I thought we took care of business and did what we had to do. We had three days off after break (and) you’re rusty and lethargic but it was good to get back out there and get some game action.”
Niagara (5-8) had a season-high 12 steals, a season-low seven turnovers and scored its most points in a regular season non-overtime game since beating Siena 100-85 on Feb. 27, 2009 from the Gallagher Center in tonight’s win over UMBC (1-11).
Niagara Hoops Tops UMBC, 92-75 – continue reading…
Posted on December 21, 2011 by BSD Staff Reports
 Niagara Falls is a heavy favorite to win the NFL division title in boys high school basketball and Kenmore West was hopeful of being the team that stood in their way. Based on Tuesday night, however, it looks to be easy cruising for the Wolverines.
Second-ranked large school Niagara Falls got double digits from all five of their starters as they traveled to Kenmore and decimated the eighth-ranked Blue Devils, 82-57 behind 18 points from senior guard Taijay Williams. Ramir Burton added 16 points while Canisius-college bound junior Jermaine Crumpton contributed 14 points.
It’s Niagara Falls’ second victory already this season over a WNY team ranked in the top 10. A couple of weeks ago they held on to defeat third-ranked Bishop Timon St. Jude by three.
Marcus Lobdell was the leading scorer for Kenmore West with 13 points and Quinton Campbell added 12.
Niagara Falls Thumps Ken-West In H.S. Hoops – continue reading…
 A game after scoring a season-low six points, Buffalo’s bench responded with a season-best 39 points to help the Bulls defeat Niagara, 82-74, at the Gallagher Center on Wednesday night. Titus Robinson and Tony Watson led the effort of the reserves with 12 points apiece.
Buffalo won its second straight road game and improved to 5-2 on the season. The Bulls matched a season high with 10 three-pointers. Zach Filzen, who shared game-high honors with 16 points, made four three-pointers. Watson and Dave Barnett each had three treys. A sore ankle kept Barnett out of the starting lineup for the first time in 41 straight games. But the senior guard responded with nine points off the bench and hit the biggest shot of the night – a deep three-pointer with 56 seconds left to extend the UB lead to six.
Auraum Nuiriankh made his first career start in Barnett’s place and finished with five points and six rebounds in 16 minutes.
UB Beats Niagara In College Hoops – continue reading…
 Niagara volleyball junior outside hitter Kari Honomichl was honored by the The Scholar Baller® program, in conjunction with the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) by being one of 49 student-athletes to receive the Academic Momentum Award.
This is the first of such honors for Honomichl, who also earned her first All-MAAC First Team and MAAC All-Academic honors this season. Honomichl was named to the second team.
Kari Honomichl Earns Academic Momentum Award – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s basketball guard Juan’ya Green was named MAAC Rookie of the Week on Monday.
Green averaged 30 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game and 1.0 steals per game this past weekend against Iona and Fairfield, who were picked one and two, respectively, in the MAAC Preseason Poll. Green broke a 33-year old school record in his first conference game on Friday against Fairfield.
Green scored 35 points on 12-for-22 shooting from the field and was 6-for-6 at the free-throw line to set a Niagara freshman scoring record. Green’s 35 points surpassed Garry Jordan’s 30 points versus Saint Peter’s on Jan. 4, 1978. Green also set a career-best in rebounds (six) and in 3-pointers (five). His five 3-pointers were one shy of tying the NU freshman record set by Tyrone Lewis on Dec. 6, 2006. Green’s 35 points are tied for fifth most in MAAC history amongst freshmen.
Niagara’s Green Tabbed MAAC Rookie of the Week – continue reading…
 Freshman Juan’ya Green’s layup with .2 seconds remaining in the game handed Niagara a 65-63 win over the St. Francis (Pa.) Red Flash to complete a ferocious second half rally on Monday.
With the game tied at 63-63 with nine seconds left, Niagara (3-3) had to go end-to-end. After receiving the ball at the top of the key, Green released his runner in the paint with two seconds on the clock and the ball eventually dropped through the basket with .2 seconds left. Niagara intercepted the en suing possession’s inbound pass as time expired.
“Juan’ya (Green) was terrific tonight,” head coach Joe Mihalich said. “He created something out of nothing and at the end of the day, Juan’ya Green made us win.”
Green’s Buzzer Beater Lifts Niagara To Win – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s hockey team (3-5-4, 2-2-3 AHA) was unable to hold a 4-1 lead, surrendering three unanswered goals in the third period to come away with a 4-4 draw to the Sacred Heart Pioneers (1-12-1, 0-8-1 AHA) at the Webster Bank Arena Sunday evening.
Forward Isaac Kohls had a goal and an assist while teammates Patrick Divjak, Marc Zanette and Dan Baco each added a goal. Niagara goalie Colby Drost finished the game with 34 saves, including three in overtime, and added an assist on Kohl’s goal.
“Not a lot to like about tonight’s effort,” said head coach David Burkholder. “Only positive is that it’s a point on the road, but we wanted it easy and they never quit. They didn’t play scoreboard and we did.”
Niagara Hockey Plays Sacred Heart to a 4-4 Draw – continue reading…
 Niagara dropped its first game in the CBE Classic Subregional to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 79-71, on Monday.
“We played a very good team tonight,” head coach Joe Mihalich said. “We had some chances at the end and it was one of those games when our guys get older and get more experience they can finish.”
Niagara’s 15-6 run late in the second half cut the lead to 71-68 with four minutes left, but the Purple Eagles (1-2) were unable to erase the 12-point second half deficit in the first-ever meeting between the schools. The run was capped by a 3-pointer by Marvin Jordan, his first of the game; though SDSU (2-2) would score the next six points and finished the game at the free-throw line.
Niagara Nipped By South Dakota State, 79-71 – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s basketball team fell, 83-52, to the No. 24/25 Missouri Tigers in the Progressive CBE Classic Columbia Regional Round on Thursday.
Niagara (1-1) was subdued by a hot-shooting Missouri (3-0) team which connected on 54.5 percent of its 3-pointers (12-for-22) in the game, including nine in the first half. In contrast, NU went 0-for-9 from behind the arc in the first half and only made five in the entire game.
The Purple Eagles did find some success in the post. Scooter Gillette, Joe Thomas and Eric Williams combined for half of the scoring output by Niagara. Gillette led the trio with nine points, while Thomas and Williams each scored six points; Thomas tied a team-high with five rebounds.
No. 24 Missouri Downs Niagara In CBE Classic – continue reading…
Posted on November 16, 2011 by Canisius College Press Report
 The Canisius College hockey team fought rival Niagara to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night. With the tie, Canisius is now 2-5-2 on the season and 2-1-2 in Atlantic Hockey play, while the Purple Eagles are 2-4-3 and 1-2-2 against league foes.
“Both teams played very hard and very physical tonight,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “From our goaltending out, we played excellent team defense. It was a hard-fought and excellent point to earn on the road.”
Junior Torrey Lindsay scored for the Griffs, matching a team high with his third tally of the season.
Canisius, Niagara Battle To Hockey Draw – continue reading…
 Niagara University men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich will participate in the 2nd Annual Shots from the Heart Tournament, in benefit of the Skip Prosser Foundation.
“Unfortunately, heart disease is a disease common to us all and a danger to us all,” Mihalich said. “Any awareness we can provide can go a long way. Skip Prosser left us far too early because of this disease and we can’t lose people like him that soon in their lives. He was someone who made this profession, game, and world a better place. I am honored to be part of something with his name on it!”
Mihalich is one of 64 head coaches competing in the free throw shooting contest and is paired against Michigan head coach John Beilein in the first round.
Mihalich To Participate In The 2nd Annual Shots From the Heart – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s basketball team was picked seventh in the 2011-12 MAAC Preseason Poll announced on Tuesday at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Niagara will feature a young squad this season and will be looking for maturation of their sophomore class which features 2011 MAAC All-Rookie Team guard Marvin Jordan (11.8 ppg/2.3 apg) along with guards Malcolm Lemmons (5.9 ppg/3.5 rpg ) and Skylar Jones (5.2 ppg/2.6 rpg). Niagara also returns redshirt freshman guard Antoine Mason, who led the team in scoring after three games with 16.7 ppg before missing the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Niagara will be looking for low-post contribution from junior forwards Eric Williams (4.1 ppg/3.2 rpg) and Scooter Gillete (3.9 ppg/3.5 rpg) and redshirt freshman Joe Thomas. The Purple Eagles welcome highly touted freshmen in guards Juan’ya Green and Ameen Tankseley, both hailing from Philadelphia, and Josh Turner from Hamden, Conn. as well as junior college transfer forward Ali Langford.
Niagara Hoops Picked For Seventh In MAAC – continue reading…
 The Niagara men’s hockey team had two more members from the graduating class of 2011 sign professional deals, with Derek Foam and David Ross agreeing to play in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
Foam has signed a deal with the Kalamazoo Wings, while Ross signed a deal with the Greenville Road Warriors. Foam and Ross will complete a five-player senior class from Niagara that are all playing pro hockey a year later, joining Ryan Annesley (Cincinnati – ECHL), Bryan Haczyk (Albany – AHL) and Paul Zanette (Rockford – AHL).
“I am very happy for the entire class of 2010,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “They were all very good student-athletes and did a great deal for our program. I know they will all be very successful as they transition into professional hockey. The entire Niagara Hockey family will be following and cheering them on.”
Niagara is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 8, when it takes on RIT at 7 p.m. The Purple Eagles start their home portion of the schedule on Friday, Oct. 21 against Union College at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the 2011-12 season by calling 716-286-TIXX (8499) or by emailing tickets@purpleeagles.com.
Posted on September 20, 2011 by Niagara University Press Report
 For the second consecutive season, the Niagara men’s hockey has been picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic Hockey Association, according to the 2011-12 AHA Preseason Poll announced on Tuesday at Blue Cross Arena.
Niagara earned 89 points on the poll, ahead of UConn (79), Robert Morris (70), Mercyhurst (59), Army (51), Canisius (42), Bentley (41), Sacred Heart (20) and American International (13). RIT took top honors (113), followed by Air Force (112) and Holy Cross (103).
“We are excited for this upcoming AHA season,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “There is so much parity in the AHA and that makes every game huge. We learned a great deal in our inaugural season and we will be well prepared for the upcoming season.”
Niagara Men’s Hockey Picked Fourth In PreSeason Poll – continue reading…
 Longtime National Hockey League (NHL) blueliner and Niagara men’s hockey volunteer assistant coach Jay McKee has signed on to be an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.
The Kingston, Ont. native spent 14 years in the NHL, between the Sabres, St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins. McKee spent the 2010-11 season behind the Niagara bench in a volunteer capacity, helping out Purple Eagles head coach Dave Burkholder.
“Words can’t express how thankful I am to Dave Burkholder, Ed McLaughlin and Niagara University for the wonderful privilege and opportunity they gave me in allowing me to assist in coaching the Niagara men’s hockey team last season,” McKee said. “The program has surrounded itself with a lot of first class personalities, attitude and work ethic, from staff and management to each player in the dressing room. I was very fortunate to learn a lot from the current coaching staff and will be forever grateful using those lessons as I further my coaching career.”
Jay McKee Takes Assistant Coach Job In Rochester – continue reading…
Posted on August 28, 2011 by St. Bonaventure Press Report
 In a game which featured five yellow cards and one red card, the men’s soccer team (0-2) fell to Little Three rival Niagara (1-1) Sunday afternoon, 3-1.
Niagara opened the scoring exactly 12 minutes into the contest on an own goal, and then the chippy battle began.
Just six minutes later, an altercation resulted in St. Bonaventure’s Kolby Banker receiving a red card and Niagara’s Michael Cunningham being issued a yellow. Banker was beat to a ball by Cunningham and retaliated by throwing an elbow. Playing with 10 men, the Bonnies surrendered a second goal to the Purple Eagles just four minutes after Banker was dismissed.
Niagara Upends Bona In Men’s Soccer – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s hockey alum Paul Zanette will be taking part in the 2011 Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp, running from July 7-11. Zanette is attending the camp after recently signing a one-year deal with Chicago’s American Hockey League team, the Rockford Icehogs.
Zanette had a career senior season for the Purple Eagles. The Nobleton, Ont. native scored a career-high 29 goals, 26 assists and 55 points; the 55-point total ties Joe Tallari (’04) for most points in a single-season by a Niagara player.
Zanette became the second Purple Eagle (Tallari) in program history to be a top-10 Hobey Baker finalist and was named Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Player of the Year to become the fifth Purple Eagle to earn a conference player of the year award. Zanette was also named to the United States College Hockey Online Third Team.
Zanette Skating In Blackhawks Prospect Camp – continue reading…
 Paul Zanette, Niagara men’s hockey’s first-ever All-American, has signed a one-year contract with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rockford IceHogs announced on Tuesday by the club.
“We are thrilled to be able to sign a player of Paul’s ability and character as he displayed both of these traits during his entire collegiate career,” said Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard. “Paul will add scoring depth to our roster and brings an unparalleled work ethic. He’s another great young prospect that will fit into our locker room very well.”
Zanette had a career senior season for the Purple Eagles. The Nobleton, Ont. native scored a career-high 29 goals, 26 assists and 55 points; the 55-point total ties Joe Tallari (’04) for most points in a single-season by a Niagara player. Zanette became the second Purple Eagle (Tallari) in program history to be a top-10 Hobey Baker finalist and was named Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Player of the Year to become the fifth Purple Eagle to earn a conference player of the year award. Zanette was also named to the United States College Hockey Online (USCHO.com) Third Team.
Niagara’s Zanette Signs With AHL’s Rockford IceHogs – continue reading…
 Niagara women’s basketball head coach Kendra Faustin has unveiled the 2011-12 recruiting class. Gabby Baldasare, Meghan McGuiness, Val McQuade and Kelly Van Leeuwen are the newest additions the women’s basketball program.
“This group really fits our needs in terms of skill sets and will complement our returning group really well,” Faustin said. “Off the court, this class is full of quality character and people not to mention excellent students that I am proud to have represent our program and Niagara University.”
Gabby Baldasare |6-1 | Guard/Forward | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Vincentian Academy
Niagara Women’s Hoops Announces Recruiting Class – continue reading…
 Niagara men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich has announced that forward Kashief Edwards will not return for the 2011-12 season.
“Kashief Edwards will graduate this summer and has decided to use his last year of eligibility at another school,” Mihalich said. “We are extremely proud of all that Niagara University has done for Kashief on and off the floor and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Edwards played in 28 games and averaged 12.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for the Purple Eagles this past season. Edwards will graduate from Niagara and has one more year of eligibility since he redshirted his freshman season.
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