Home Collegiate Club Hockey NU Club Has Perfect Season Going Into NECHL Playoffs

NU Club Has Perfect Season Going Into NECHL Playoffs

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NU holds Oswego to just 6 shots in way to 5-1 victory and perfect 18-0 league record

 All season the Eagles offense has been their most renowned attribute. However, in the Eagles 5-1 victory over Oswego it was defense.  Niagara would surrender only 6 shots (only three after the first period) on their path to victory. Jon Anderson obtained the win in the net for NU.#19 Niagara finished the regular season in the NECHL with 18-0 and outscored their league opponents 123-32. The perfect record is a league record.

It is said that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. If this is the case, based on tonights performance, the Eagles have much to look forward to. Freshman Mike Skopinski played his best game of the semester alongside his season long partner freshman Brad Beran.  Sophomore Captain Patrick Ryan made his return after missing several weeks due to injury and played well. Patrick Martin and Max Hyland continue to produce not only offensively but with stout defensive play.

Freshman Jake Ledyard started the scoring for NU tipping a great point shot from Patrick Martin. Senior Marc Deguilio broke the game open with the second goal for NU. Freshman Josh Pietrantonio would score the third marker on a pass from Pat Martin. Pat Martin would net a goal of his own just 30 seconds later. Tim Roggemann would complete NU with the teams’ only goal of the third.

The shutdown defensive dominance of tonights game can also be attributed to the Eagles forwards. Several key back checks mitigated potential odd man rushes, blocked shots, and clogged the neutral zone to frustrate Oswego.

Next up for Niagara will be the NECHL playoffs. Niagara has earned a bye into the semi finals. It is possible they will be play Oswego again on Saturday afternoon at the Northtown Center in Amherst, NY.

“So far this season we have achieved pretty much all the goals we set out to do” said Associate Coach Clay Miller after the game. “But the regular season is just that regular. We have a big target on our backs and I think it is now something our team really takes pride in. Next week’s playoffs is going to be a big test for us. We have two more games to win for the overall title, and those 120 minutes are going to be our toughest all season.”