Purps Title Run Falls Short

The Purple Eagles 2009-2010 season came to an end Saturday evening at the hands of #17 Robert Morris University in the ECHL Semi-Finals.

Niagara would jump out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period. Senior Sean Carmack and Junior Joe Baldinelli would net both goals for Niagara.

Unfortunately the Purple Eagles scoring attack would end in the first period. The Colonials scored two markers in the second period and eventually skate to a win in the third.

Niagara’s offense, which had been firing on all cylinders from the New Year on, struggled to generate a sustained attack. The Colonials played a strong defensive game and limited the chances of Niagara from the second period on.

The meeting between Niagara and Robert Morris will be the last in a long tenure of hard fought, bitterly contested games. Robert Morris will switch leagues at the conclusion of the season. RMU has done a fine job with their program and their tenure in the ECHL has elevated the league.

Friday evening’s quarterfinal game pitted NU against Mercyhurst College. The Eagles would sore in the quarterfinal match up defeating Mercyhurst 6-1. The turning point of the game was in the first period. The Eagles would find themselves up 1-0 when a questionable penalty shot was awarded to Mercyhurst sniper Shane Vordran. Freshman net minder Dane Wakefield stood tall stopping the attempt.

From there the Purple Eagles offense would continue to take the attack to Mercyhurst.

Special teams were also a key in the victory. Niagara would tally two power play goals, an empty net goal, along kill off several penalties including a five minute major.

The game was easily one of the worst officiated games of the season. Both sides were marred by terrible calls from the hapless and often lost officiating crew. In playoff hockey the teams on the ice should ultimately decide the fate of the game. Unfortunately, the referees on Friday nights match up tried to steal the spotlight. Mercyhurst was also the victim of several questionable calls against them.

The scoring summary for the Quarterfinal game is as follows.

1 Chiomastro from Finelli and Carmack

2. Deguilio from Kenney and Morrison (PPG)

3. Beume from Deguilio and Kenney

4. Kenney (unassisted)

5. Baldinelli from Finelli

6. Chiomastro from Finelli

What’s Up Next?

Check back later in the week for a full season review including video!