The sun is shining and the calendar reads late August. This can only mean one thing. Another hockey season is upon us.

The Purple Eagles will begin their “off-ice” portion of the season tonight with the teams first meeting at Dwyer Arena. The team will be beginning a dryland training regiment tomorrow, which will run until the start of the season in mid- September.

A new feature to the Eagles regiment this season will be a three-hour block of ice available to players on Monday’s. These ice times will be available to players allowing team members to focus on individual skills, line chemistry, and full team scrimmages. This undoubtedly is one of the large benefits of having an on campus rink. Niagara is one of only two schools that have an on-campus NCAA Division 1 rink at their fingertips.

Recruits Make Niagara New Home

All 12 recruits have now begun settling into campus life. A special thanks to Christine Schwartz (Asst. Direct of Admissions) and the Niagara University Housing Department whom have been a valuable asset in making the transition for the recruits one of ease. The new Purple Eagles are not only outstanding hockey players but phenomenal students. Several incoming players were awarded over $10,000 in academic and merit based scholarships. Trevor Kenney (South Burlington, VT) will represent the Purple Eagles on the links. Trevor was awarded a golf scholarship and will compete for Niagara’s NCAA Division 1 golf team.

Coaching Staff Changes But Stays the Same…

The 2008-2009 season will mark another with Head Coach Larry Brzeczkowski at the helm. Brzeczkowski has now been the leader of the Eagles for over a decade. During his tenure he has taken the team from its early infancy to national Top 20 squad. Larry has either won or been a finalist for every major coaching award the ACHA can give out. Brzeczkowski has won the ECHL “Coach of the Year” as well as been a runner up for the same award several times. Most recently the Purps skipper was a finalist for the ACHA “Coach of the Year”. There is little doubt that the team is where it is today due to not only Larry’s great hockey knowledge and coaching style but also the immense dedication that he puts in to the team behind closed doors.

Associate Coach and Director of Recruiting Clay Miller (Niagara University ’04) will be returning for his third season in his position. Miller will continue to handle the defensive responsibilities as well as handle the recruiting for the team.

Jason Jones (Niagara ’05) is poised to enter his second season as special teams and goaltender coach for the team. Jason played for the Niagara’s NCAA Division 1 team and has been a valuable asset to success of the Purple Eagles special teams.

The NU coaching staff is excited to welcome three new members. Justin Corio, Brandon Wright, and Jim Kelley will be new faces behind the bench. Corio was an All American at SUNY Gennesseo (NCAA Div. 3) and will be responsible for working with the forwards as well as “in game” scouting. Former 2007-2008 team captains Brandon Wright and Jim Kelley will be in charge of opposition scouting. The duo will be sent on the road to scout both ECHL opponents and non-league foes.  Based on the video and notes taken by Wright and Kelley, the team will be able to formulate effective game plans well in advance.

Season Preview…

The 2008-2009 Purple Eagles Season Preview will be released in a PDF format by September 15^th. Please check back and feel free to download your copy!