Niagara Drops Pair In PA.

The Purple Eagles played the roll of Jekyll and Hyde this weekend in the state of Pennsylvania.

Niagara found themselves struggling against the Mercyhurst College Lakers who entered the game 0-10. The Lakers, who were playing desperate hockey, were able to skate to a win led in part by their stifling defense and trap. The Purple Eagles who jumped out to an early lead found themselves struggling in their defensive zone. Costly mental mistakes would ultimately lead to the fall of the Eagles. The final score would be 6-3 after Mercyhurst added a late empty net goal.

Joe Baldinelli (Niagara Falls Canucks GOHL Jr. B/Niagara Falls, ONT.) and Sean Carmack (Buffalo State College NCAA Div 3/Chantilly, VA) were among goal scorers to the Eagles.

The team would depart Erie, PA and spend the night a bit closer to Pittsburgh. The team would arrive in Meadville, PA around 11:00pm and settle in to regroup after what was a disappointing effort earlier that evening.

Saturday afternoon, the Eagles traveled to #15 Robert Morris University. The team entered the matinee match up with a focus and intensity that has eluded the Eagles the past two weekends. Niagara would jump off to a quick 2-0 lead after the first period. The second period saw the Colonials rally back to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the third. RMU added two hard fought goals on scrums in front of the net to put the game out of reach for the Eagles.

Stephano Bueme (Buffalo Stars CHA Jr. B/ Orchard Park, NY) began the scoring for the Eagles at the 14:40 mark of the first period. A little over three minutes later Nick Gollaher (Rochester Americans 18U AAA/ Rochester, NY) netted a power play goal with assists going to Joe Baldinelli (Niagara Falls Canucks GOHL Jr. B/ Niagara Falls, ONT) and Kevin Zola (Batavia High School/ Batavia, NY). RMU added a late empty net goal however, their was no quit in Niagara. Tyler Magliazzo (Buffalo Regals Selects 18 U AAA/ Lewiston, NY) would tally a marker with just under 40 seconds to play in the game. The goal was Tyler’s first of the season and first collegiate goal.

Both freshman Niagara netminders Dane Wakefield (New York Saints MJHL Jr. B/Maspeth, NY) who played Friday and Andrew Jankowski (New York Saints MJHL Jr. B/ Queens, NY) played very well between the pipes for Niagara. Goaltending, which was a matter of concern for the Purple Eagles in last years campaign have been deep at the position all season long.

The Niagara vs. RMU match up in years past has always featured tough physical play. Saturday’s game was a spirited affair with both teams skating well and capitalizing on their opportunities. Niagara, whom in past years has been hampered by the Colonials Olympic sized rink seemed much more, adjusted in this years contest. For fans of hard fought action Saturday’s game was ideal.

Weekend Notes:

Two Eagles Make Good Impressions.

James LeAir (West Seneca Wings 18U AAA/ West Seneca, NY) and Dave Wesolowski (Kenmore East Federation/ North Tonawanda, NY) who have been battling for playing time early in the season made great statements with their superb play in the weekend action. Both freshman have worked extremely hard in practices and off the ice training had paid off as both are continuing to grow into the college game. Freshman Patrick Martin (Long Island Royals MJHL Jr. B/ Farmingville, NY) logged valuable minutes and continued his smart, defensive minded style of play.

Youth Movement

The Purple Eagles dressed 12 freshmen each game this weekend. For trivia buffs, the last time the Purple Eagles played league games with more than 9 freshmen in the line up was the 2000-2001 season.

Unsung Contributors