Niagara names former defenseman Oliveto new assistant

Niagara has rounded out its coaching staff with the addition of former Purple Eagles’ defenseman Pat Oliveto as an assistant coach. “I am very pleased to welcome Pat and his family back to the Niagara University community,” Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder said in a press release. “He was a role model on and off … Read more

No decisions made after CCHA meeting with Atlantic Hockey schools

The meeting between representatives of the CCHA and four Atlantic Hockey schools produced only discussion, according to statements released by both sides. The sides met Tuesday on the Mercyhurst campus in Erie, Pa., amid a changing landscape for Division I men’s college hockey. In 2013, the CCHA will be reduced to six teams — possibly … Read more

MacDonald named new assistant at UMass

Former Niagara and Massachusetts-Lowell head coach Blaise MacDonald has been named an assistant coach for Massachusetts. MacDonald replaces Red Gendron, who was named the associate head coach at Yale. “Blaise was unquestionably the best candidate for the position and for our needs,” said UMass head coach Don “Toot” Cahoon in a press release. “He comes … Read more

Niagara assistant Gardner to leave for Princeton

According to a report on BelowTheFalls.com, Niagara assistant coach Greg Gardner will leave the Purple Eagles for a similar position at Princeton. Gardner played for Niagara from 1996-2000 and was named an assistant coach in 2007. Possible replacements mentioned in the article are current Niagara volunteer assistant coach Jay McKee and Massachusetts-Lowell assistant Jerry Forton, … Read more

Ohio State hires Handrahan to coach women’s team

Ohio State announced Monday the hiring of Nate Handrahan as the head coach of the women’s hockey team, becoming just the second coach in the 12-year history of the women’s hockey program. “My family and I are grateful for the opportunity athletics director Gene Smith and the hiring committee has given me to be the … Read more

Boston College has two on All-USCHO first team

Michigan and Boston College each placed three players on the All-USCHO teams, while Denver, North Dakota, and Wisconsin each placed two players. Leading the way on the first team was the Hobey hat trick of Miami’s Andy Miele (USCHO’s player of the year and the Hobey Baker Award winner), North Dakota’s Matt Frattin, and Boston … Read more

Commentary: For the 2011 Starzies, the nominees are …

The CBS College Sports Network, the national home of college hockey, will announce the winners of the third annual Starzies this weekend during the ECAC championship tournament in Atlantic City, N.J. There are eight awards which are given out and each award is the namesake of a former great college player or coach. The awards, … Read more

Three returning nominees among record 25 up for Hockey Humanitarian Award

A record 25 players have been unveiled as the nominees for the 2011 BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award. The list includes returning nominees Sam Kuzyk of Adrian, Mario Mjelleli of Augsburg and Brigid O’Gorman of Connecticut College. Finalists will be announced in mid-February, with the award scheduled to be presented on Friday, April … Read more

NHL veteran McKee joins Niagara staff

Longtime National Hockey League defenseman Jay McKee has joined the Niagara men’s hockey coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach. McKee hasn’t retired and is still pursuing an NHL contract. Niagara coach Dave Burkholder coached McKee during his stint with the OHL’s Niagara Falls Thunder back in the mid-1990s. “I’m excited about Jay helping us … Read more

In new, closer surroundings, Niagara looks to find scoring

Niagara’s admission to Atlantic Hockey was seen as one of necessity rather than desire. The school was criticized in the media for “taking a step back” because the move meant fewer scholarships. But according to coach Dave Burkholder, it also meant less of something else. “Travel,” he said. “Besides the other advantages, we’ll be traveling … Read more

RIT Heads Atlantic Hockey Coaches Poll

Defending champion and national semifinalist Rochester Institute of Technology has been picked to repeat as champions in the Atlantic Hockey coaches poll, announced Tuesday at the league’s media day, held at Blue Cross Arena, site of the 2011 league championships. Mercyhurst, which finished fourth last season, was picked to finish second and Air Force third. … Read more

Mercyhurst the Favorite in 2010-11 CHA Women’s Race

Mercyhurst is the choice of CHA women’s coaches to win the league’s regular-season title in 2010-11. The Lakers, national semifinalists last season, took four of five first-place votes in the balloting. Syracuse got the lone remaining first-place vote to finish second, followed by Niagara, Robert Morris and Wayne State. The full results follow: Team (first-place … Read more

Burkholder, Niagara Agree to Contract Extension

Niagara and coach Dave Burkholder have agreed to a contract extension, the school announced Wednesday. No details were released, including the length of the extension. “Coach Burkholder is an important member of the Niagara University community and we want to make sure we keep him,” Niagara athletic director Ed McLaughlin said in a statement. “He … Read more

Granato to be One of First Two Women in Hall of Fame

Cammi Granato, three-time ECAC Player of the Year, two-time Olympian and 15-year member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, was today announced as one of the first two female members in the 65-year history of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Granato will be formally inducted into the Hall on Nov. 8 as part of the … Read more