Andrew Loewen, a four-year standout goalie with the Golden Griffin hockey team, is set to continue his career with the Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League after graduating from Canisius in 2010.

“I am really excited to continue playing at the professional level,” Loewen said. “I am fortunate to be one of a few people who receives the opportunity to live out their childhood dreams of playing hockey at the next level. There is also a welcomed sense of nervousness knowing that I am required to try out again for a hockey team. This stirs up the preseason butterflies and will create greater competition and intensify the experience of playing professional hockey.”

A two-time team MVP, Loewen stopped 2,463 saves during his career, the second most in the program’s history. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native owns the school record with a .913 career save percentage and shares the program’s mark with six career shutouts. He also ranks second with 30 career victories and third with a goals against average of 2.93.

“Canisius has helped me prepare for this next step by being in a competitive hockey environment for the past four years,” Loewen said. “Reviewing our graduating class this year and realizing how many teammates who will also be taking the next step of playing pro hockey confirms this competitive atmosphere. I can’t thank my teammates and Canisius support staff enough for their support and preparation for this outstanding opportunity.”

During his senior season, Loewen was a two-time Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week and posted a 5-4-2 record. Among his highlights during his standout career were a school-record 61 saves in his collegiate debut against No. 9 Miami and a 201-minute shutout streak in 2008, the 10-longest in NCAA history. Loewen was also a two-time ESPN The Magazine All-District Academic Team selection.

“Andrew has worked very hard to get this opportunity,” said Canisius head coach  Dave Smith. “I think he is ready for the next challenge of playing pro hockey. Andrew is ready to succeed both on and the ice.”

During the 2009-10 campaign, Loewen helped the Griffs to one of their most successful seasons at the Division I level. Canisius won its most games in nine years and advanced to the Atlantic Hockey Semifinals for the first time since 2004.

(Photo Credit: Tom Wolf Imaging)