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).

Moran has earned plenty of accolades and awards for his on-ice work, earning College Hockey America Rookie of the Year honors and All-Rookie team accolades after the 2006-07 season. The Buffalo, native was a member of the 2008 CHA Championship team, as it was him who tied the game at two, before the eventual game-winning goal by Kyle Rogers.

The two-time CHA All-Academic Team member earned First Team All-CHA laurels as a senior and also participated in the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Skills Challenge at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

Former teammates Jim Burichin (Texas Brahmas – CHL) and Tyler Gotto (Toldeo Walleye – ECHL) also have signed pro deals during the summer.