Senior Night

By: Michelle Cashman

Saturday, February 6^th, not only marks the final game for Niagara in the 2009-2010 season, but also the loss of six astounding players. Senior Night is a tried and true tradition for all sports, but especially for the Purple Eagles who are so much more than just a team.   Niagara will be saying their goodbyes to Nick Gollaher, Jeff Osler, Michael Playfair, Dan Fitzgerald, Sean Carmack and Kevin Zola who have all helped to make this season a winning one for Niagara. All of these players have done a remarkable job not only this season, but every season that they‘ve played for Niagara. From Sean Carmack’s first season as an Eagle where he picked up 50 points, to Nick Gollaher’s multiple ECHL All-Academic Team nominations, to Jeff Osler and Michael Playfair who have become powerplay staples. Each one of these seniors have contributed something major to the Purple Eagles. 

Senior Captain, Nick Gollaher has played for Niagara since his freshman year in the 2006-2007 season. His remarkable stick handling and his ability to score in nearly any situation have made him #3 on Niagara’s all-time scoring record with 59 goals to his name. This past season, Nick picked up 44 points due to his 15 goals and 29 assists. Anything but a quiet man, Nick could always be heard giving one of his many pep talks making sure that not only the team but the entire rink could as well. 

Even though Sean Carmack transferred from Buffalo State College before the 2007-2008 season, he is a Purple Eagle through and through. On January 29^th, Sean would mark his 100^th career point as an Eagle during a game against the University at Buffalo. His hard shot and physical power would make Sean a force to be reckoned with on the ice. In his three years at Niagara, Sean has picked up 108 points and with two games still remaining, this number is only sure to rise.

Graduate student Dan Fitzgerald joined the team at the beginning of this season, but he was a more than welcome addition. He has played in 13 non-ECHL games this season but it is his remarkable defensive plays that should be noted. While he began as a forward, his natural ability as defense shone through and he has played many of his games in this position. Dan is known for his sense of humor and the team is glad to have had it in many tense moments.

Ontario native Jeff Osler has played for the Eagles for two years now but in that short time he has made a big impact on the team. He has become a clutch player when it comes to power plays and has contributed 20 points in his career. More importantly, Jeff has always been the player to keep his teammates focused on the bench. His incredible knowledge of the sport, leadership and heart has made a resounding impact on Niagara.

Michael Playfair is not the typical Eagle. Michael joined the team during his freshman year in the 2005-2006 season but with some remaining junior eligibility he left for two seasons to play for the OPJHL Buffalo Junior Sabres. He returned like the prodigal son for his senior season at Niagara where he has sunk 3 goals and made 1 assist. While Michael was not always the loudest player Niagara has seen his physical style of play was quite the opposite. 

One of Niagara’s best blueliners, Kevin Zola is finishing his Purple Eagle career with over 115 games played. This past season has been his best one to date. He’s performed exceptionally well on the defensive line but he’s also managed to pick up fifteen points this season. Kevin has served as the team’s President for the past two years and has shown that he can easily perform his duties both on and off the ice. 

It is simply not just what these players do on the ice but what they are doing off the ice which matters. Each of these six players has taken on a full course load in addition to the full plate that hockey provides. After graduation, Jeff Osler plans to teach overseas with his education major. Nick Gollaher, Sean Carmack, and Kevin Zola are all planning to get their MBAs in various concentrations at Niagara next year. Even if plans are not in sight, it is certain that Michael Playfair and Dan Fitzgerald will continue to work persistently towards all their goals. For these Eagles, success is bound to come easy. 

Graduating senior Jeff Osler reflects, “As a transfer student I can't say enough about the guys who welcomed me with open arms to the Niagara Purple Eagles organization. I am happy that I got the chance to not only play but build friendships with some great guys over the past two seasons. I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime at NU. In the end, I couldn't see myself having gone to school or playing hockey anywhere else.” These six players represent a core group of exceptional talent that will be hard to replace. Their memories of college hockey will stay with them for a lifetime. From all of the Purple Eagles family, thank you and congratulations to the Class of 2010!