USA Hockey Tours Dwyer Arena

JUNIOR HOCKEY: USA Hockey takes tour of Dwyer

Don’t think the new luxury suite in Dwyer Arena’s west end was lost on Jim Johannson.

But the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey wasn’t scouting the Niagara University ice rink to see where best to enjoy finger foods during intermissions. Johannson was part of a group deciding where USA Hockey should place the 2011 World Junior Championships, the world’s premier tournament for players under 20.

“We were looking at the guts of the hockey rink,” Johannson said of this week’s tour. “Everybody sees things like the seats and the amenities. We need to see if these buildings can house a tournament of this caliber. Is there enough room for five teams?”

According to Johannson and Mike Bertsch, who heads the group’s marketing and communication, the Buffalo-Niagara area has all the pieces in place to handle such an event.

Buffalo was the first of three cities the group will tour, with Thursday ending a two-day crash course. Grand Forks, N.D., and St. Paul, Minn., are the other two stops.

Dwyer Arena would be the secondary site, handling some of the early contests, while Buffalo’s HSBC Arena would handle the major games and the championship round. The 11-day tournament would consist of 31 games.

According to Bertsch, a final decision should be made by early October.

Johannson said he was impressed with Dwyer’s facilities and thinks the rink could easily fulfill the duties.

“There are little challenges, but there are challenges every we go,” Johannson said. “You can see what they’ve done with it. It looks great. The bottom line is, we can make Dwyer work.”

The event is a major one, ranking with the Frozen Four that came to Buffalo in 2003. According to event organizers, the tournament would bring an estimated $6 million into the economy, and would fill 3,200 room nights in local hotels.

“We’re looking at places that are accustomed to running large events and being successful with it,” Bertsch said. “It’s an international event, so we want to put on our best face.”

Johannson said the Buffalo area has done an outstanding job holding the youth nationals in Amherst the past two seasons, and expects more of the same if the area gets the nod for the world juniors.

“Everyone in the hockey community understands what the World Hockey Junior Championships are in this area,” Johannson said.

The last time the U.S. hosted the event was 2005, when the likes of Phil Kessel, Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and Dion Phaneuf all played in Grand Forks.

“The level of hockey is fantastic. For the hockey fans, I honestly think it’s the best championship they have because of the energy level they play with.

“You get the best in the world playing in this championship.”

Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.

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2008-2009 Schedule

The Purple Eagles are pleased to announce their 2008-2009 schedule.

This year will prove to the Purps most difficult schedule in team history with ten tilts against Top 25 teams.

Head Coach Larry Brzeczkowski commented on the teams 2008-2009 campaign by stating

 “Next season we have a lot of young talented freshman coming in with the help of our senior captains

they should make an easy and quick transition into the ACHA/Niagara style of hockey. Those freshman with the talent already here on campus I think we are going to have a very strong team. I think next season we have to toughest schedule have ever put together for our team. We as a team will have to come

right into camp and work hard and focus early since in the first month of the season we have 3 weekends are on the road against very talented teams.”

The Purple Eagles will open their season at home on September 20^th versus Slippery Rock University. Other notable teams traveling to Dwyer Arena are divisional foe #16 Robert Morris University, ECHL new comer SUNY CANTON, and #25 Adrian College out of Michigan will venture to Monteagle Ridge to start off the new year.

The team is also very excited to welcome cross-town rival Canisius College to Niagara. Canisius is Niagara University’s most archrival in all sports and this will surely be the start of a great ACHA rivalry.

It is on the road where Niagara will be most tested. The first Purple Eagle away games will be in Chicago, Il as the Eagles take on #23 Robert Morris College. The following weekend the Purple Eagles will again head out on the team bus to take on Towson University located in Maryland closing the weekend out against Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

Early November will find the Purple Eagles taking on Indiana University of Pennslyvania for the first time in program history during the teams annual trek to FirePittsburgh, Pa to take on #16 Robert Morris Pa.

In late November the Purple Eagles will travel to Athens, Ohio to take on #9 Ohio University for a two game series.. Ohio University is arguably one of the hardest places to play in the ACHA and the school is known for their fervent fans and sells out crowds.

The first week of December will find the Purple Eagles leaving the sure to be snowy weather of Lewiston, Ny to head to the heat of Tempe, Arizona. The team will depart for on a cross country flight to take on the Arizona State University Sundevils for a pair.

The Purple Eagles travels continue the next week when they head to #5 Penn State University in State College, Pa. This is the continuation of long standing tradition of taking on the Nittany Lions yearly after the last week of exams of the first semester.

The Purple Eagles will also travel to Syracuse University, University of Rochester, and Mercyhurst College for league match-ups.

The Purple Eagles are very excited for what is sure to be a fantastic season of hockey. The terrific incoming recruiting class along with a great core of returning players will make the Purple Eagles a national contender during the 08-09 season. The Purple Eagles will also be adding a few more home dates and are awaiting the schedule from the NCAA D1 team prior to scheduling these home matchups.

Stats for the 2008-2009 Schedule

11 games versus teams not played in the 2007-2008 Season, of those 11 games the Purple Eagles will face 8 teams for the first time in program history

The Eagles were 13-4 versus teams they face in the upcoming season during the 2007-2008 Campaign

The Purple Eagles will travel close to 8,000miles in the 2008-2009 season!! 

 

9/19 HM #20 SLIPPERY ROCK

9/20 HM ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

9/26 AT #23 ROBERT MORRIS COLLEGE (CHICAGO)

9/27 AT #23 ROBERT MORRIS COLLEGE (CHICAGO)

10/4/ AT TOWSON

10/5 AT LEHIGH

10/11 HM UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO*

10/24 AT MERCYHURST*

10/31 AT UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO*

11/1 HM ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

11/8 AT INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF PA.

11/9 AT #16 ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY*

11/14 AT ROCHESTER*

11/15 HM ROCHESTER*

11/21 AT #9 OHIO (ATHENS, OHIO)

11/22 AT #9 OHIO (ATHENS, OHIO)

12/5 AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (Tempe, Az)

12/6 AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (Tempe, Az)

12/12 AT #5 PENN STATE

12/13 ECHL ALL STAR GAME AT RMU

1/9 HM   #25 ADRIAN

1/10 HM #25 ADRAIN

1/16 HM MERCYHURST*

1/17 HM #16 ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY (PA)*

1/19 AT ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1/23, 1/24 HM CANTON*

1/30 HM CANSIUIS

1/31 HM ST. BONAVENTURE

2/7 HM SYRACUSE*

2/14 AT SYRACUSE *

2/19-2/21 ECHL PLAYOFFS

MARCH TBD ACHA NATIONALS, Cleveland, Ohio

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Class of 2012: Purple Eagles Recruiting Class (Updated 7/16)

The sun is out, the snow has all melted, and the sounds of summer are in the air. As the Purple Eagles begin preparation for their final exams the coaching staff is proud to announce the commitments for the 2008-2009 season.

Trevor Kenney (South Burlington, Vt) Dixie Bee Hives (OPJHL Junior A.) Fwd

Mike Saya (Syracuse, Ny) Brigdton Academy Junior A* / Oswego Admirals (OPJHL Jr. A) Fwd

 *Bridgton Academy is the only Prep School in the Nation to compete as a Junior A Team. They were formerly part of the renowned “New England Prep School Athletic Conference".

Tom Peffall (Ambler, Pa) Philly Thunder (UJHL Jr. A) Fwd

T.J. Popovich (Philadelphia, Pa) Tri State Selects (EJHL Jr. B) Fwd
 

Will Rinaldi (Marlton, Nj) South Muskoka Shields (GMHL Jr. A) Defense

Jeff Osler (Brockville, Ont) Monroe Community College (Transfer) Fwd

Ryan Hughes (Long Island, Ny) Suffolk PAL (MJHL Junior B) Fwd

Tim Seel (Amherst, Ny) Amherst Knights (18U Midget Major AAA) Fwd ^

Tom Mooradian (Lewiston, Ny) Wheatfield Blades (18U Midget AAA) Fwd

Drew Mencer (Buffalo, Ny) Buffalo Stars (CHA Jr. C) Defense

Justin Lhullier (Long Island Ny) Suffolk Pal (Midget AAA 18U) Defense

Ian Hurtibise (Buffalo, Ny) Tonawanda Lightning (Midget AAA 18U) Goaltender

^- Competed in the USA Hockey National Tournament 2008.

 

Mike Saya (Syracuse, Ny) Forward

Mike played last season at the Bridgton Academy in Bridgton Maine. Mike has also played for the New York State Empire teams and been a tremendous impact player at every stop along his career. The 2006-2007 found Mike playing in the OPJHL for the Oswego Admirals. Mike played last year at the very prestigous Bridgton Academy which is the nations only Prep school team in the nation which plays a Junior A Schedule.

Saya is a 6'0 200lbs forward.  This size paired with Niagara's other highly talented larger forwards (Sean Carmack, Anthony Clair) will likely spell trouble for the opposition this upcoming season.

Mike has been on many D1 teams radar and was brought on to our program with help of Coach David Burkholder of the Niagara University Men’s NCAA D1 Team.

Trevor Kenney (South Burlington, Vt) Forward
Trevor Kenney (South Burlington, Vermont) from the Dixie Beehives of the OPJHL.

Trevor tallied 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games last season on the Beehives which was good for fifth best on a highly skilled team.  He marks the second recruit for the Class of 2012 who has played in the OPJHL that is considered the top Junior program in Ontario.

Kenney has also received a golf scholarship to play the links for the Niagara University golf team.

Director of recruiting Clay Miller commented on the latest signing by asserting " Trevor is going to come in and make an impact right away. He is a highly skilled forward, great skater, and a very hard worker. He had several options on where to go, including NCAA Division 1 offers. We are happy that he chose Niagara and think he will fit in very well with our program."

The Purple Eagles welcome Trevor to the Purple Eagles!

T.J Popovich (Philadelphia, Pa) Forward

T.J is another talented forward who has quite an extensive hockey resume. In the past three seasons Popovich has attended two elite prospect camps. In ’05-06 T.J. traveled to play in the Pursuit of Excellence Tournament in British Columbia at just 16 years of age.

 More recently T.J traveled to the Toronto Prospects Tournament, which is put on by the ECHL Central Scouting Service and attended, by countless collegiate scouts as well as ECHL owners and scouts. This past season T.J started his season in for the Tri-State Selects of the EJHL. However, his season in the EJHL was cut short due to injury. He would return from injury later in the year and lead his Archbishop-Ryan team in points.

Tom Peffall (Ambler, Pa) Forward
Niagara receives commitment from 5”11”, 195lbs winger Tom Peffall (Ambler, Pa) from the Philly Thunder (UJHL, Junior A).

Tom Peffal (Philly Thunder, UJHL Jr. A) has committed to join the Purple Eagles Recruiting Class of 2009. The 5’ 11”, 195lbs forward is another highly talented offensive threat that the Eagles have brought in for next season.

Tom spent the past two seasons playing for the Philly Thunder of the UJHL Junior A.  Last season Peffall tallied 29 points (15g, 14a) in 35 games with the Thunder and was selected as their Assistant Captain. Tom was highly recommended by the Thunder Head Coach Jim Simmons, who has along tenured history of scouting at the pro level.

Tom brings a commitment to defense along with a great scoring touch to Monteagle Ridge.   “Tom fits the mold of players we really strived to bring in this year. A great skater, comittment to both ends of the ice, and a guy who can put the puck in the net” said Clay Miller (Assistant Coach & Director of Recruiting) of the latest recruit.

Head Coach Larry Brzeczkowski commented on comittment by stating “Not only is Tom an excellent hockey player, which is pretty clear based on his stats while playing a high caliber of hockey, but after meeting with he and his family during his recruiting trip you can tell his a man of great character and extremely dedicated to the game of hockey! He will be a great fit with other great recruits we have coming in and our returning core”

Tom is a native of Ambler, Pennsylvania. He is the son of proud parents Hal & Gloria Peffall

 Will Rinaldi (Marlton, Nj) Defense
 

Rinaldi has spent the past two seasons playing in the GMHL in Toronto, Ontario for the Douro Dukes and played last season for the South Muskoka Shields. The 6’ 3”, 200lbs defenseman also played forward for his Junior A squad.

Head Coach Larry Brzeczkowski who was informed via phone of the commitment commented, “[Will] is going to be a great asset. It gives us more size, which is something we have focused on for this recruiting class…It is always nice to address needs you may have through recruiting. We think Will will give us a some versatility and size for four years.”

Prior to his time the GMHL, William spent time playing his hockey in Kelowna, British Columbia.   Rinaldi played at the same prestigious Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy as 2008 recruit T.J Popovich (Tri- State Selects MJHL Jr B.).

Jeff Osler (Brockville, Ontario) Forward

Last year Jeff played at Monroe Community College team, which went to the NJCAA National Championship Game. During the season he recorded 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points. Jeff was the fifth leading scorer on very talented team.

Jeff in his games played against the Purple Eagles was a very good defensive oriented player who was able to generate chances with his great passing.

Jeff is a forward who will come in and be able to immediately make an impact with the Purple Eagles. Jeff is a tremendous athlete who also excels at Baseball for Monroe Community College.

Ryan Hughes (Long Island, Ny) Forward
Ryan was recruited by the team last but red-shirted his freshman year. Ryan is a hard working, solid forward, who will come in and add toughness to Niagara. Hughes played Juniors in the MJHL. The Purple Eagles look forward to Ryan's return to the ice for the Purps.

Tim Seel (Amherst, Ny) Forward

Tim is a forward who played on the Amherst U-18 AAA team that represented New York State in the USA Hockey National Tournament. Tim is great skater and can make things happen on the ice.

Seel led his team in scoring during the National Tournament as well as during the regular season.

While the coaching staff was scouting Seel every present and past coach could not say enough about not only his on ice work ethic as well as what he brought to every team he played for off the ice.

Tom Mooradian (Lewiston, Ny) Forward

Mooradian is a forward who plays for the Wheatfield Blades AAA 18U team as well as Lewiston Porter High School. He is a strong skater, natural playmaker, and has an exceptional talent for winning face-offs.

 Tom, like Tim Seel, uses speed as key weapon to his game. The coaching staff during this recruiting cycle focused on players with great speed and sense of grit. Tom brings plenty of both to the Purple Eagles for next season.

Drew Mencer (Buffalo, Ny) Defense

Drew is another local product and the most recent addition to the Purple Eagles. Mencer is a play making defenseman who played for the Buffalo Stars (CHA) last season.

Mencer is so eager to begin his career with the team he has been participating with the Eagles during off-season skates.

During the 2007-2008 season with the Buffalo Stars Mencer recorded 6 goals and 24 assists. Drew will fit in well with the plethora of puck moving defenseman already on the Purple Eagles blue line.

Justin Lhuillier (Patchouge, Ny) Defense
Justin played for Suffolk PAL the same organization who has yielded Niagara defensive stand outs Kevin Morrison and Patrick Roth.
Lhuillier's team also advanced to the USA Hockey National Tournament. Justin is more a stay-at-home defenseman with a good shot. Lhuilliers commitment continues to recent success the Purple Eagles have had recruiting out of the Long Island, Ny area.

Ian Hurtibuise (Tonawanda, Ny) Goaltender

Ian will attend Niagara after playing for the Tonawanda Lightning last season. At press time the coaching staff is still waiting to acquire Ian’s final statistics. This profile will be updated.

There are still a few other players who the Coaching staff is awaiting commitments from. Check back to the site within the next month or so for updates.