Unlike the past few years, Niagara fans can actually feel optimistic about their hockey club.
Why not? Purple Eagles fans filed happily out of Dwyer Arena on Saturday evening after witnessing Niagara’s 3-2 victory over the United States Military Academy.
The win upped Niagara to 5-1-1 in Atlantic Hockey and 6-3-1 overall. The Purple Eagles have already doubled their win total from last season. For now at least, the darkness that has surrounded this program in recent years is gone.
“It is awesome to see the energy in the building continue to grow,” said Niagara coach Jason Lammers. “I thought that this weekend that our guys competed at an elite level. It was impressive to see as they can continue to believe and trust in each other.
“It was an impressive weekend for us.”
Army coach Brian Riley was impressed the improvement of the Purple Eagles, and also liked the fact that his club is still 6-2-0 on the road.
“There is a long ways to go, and they are a real good hockey team,” he said of Niagara. “I think they are a team that could be right at the top. They have skilled guys and a lot of structure. Six and two is not bad, and we don’t have another overnight trip until February.”
Leading 2-1, Tanner Lomsnes scored the winner in the third period when Sam Rennaker tried a wrap-around down low, but was stopped by Army goaltender Cole Bruns. The puck squirted right out to Lomsnes at the corner of the crease, and he quickly banged in the rebound at 7:55 for a 3-1 lead.
Michael Wilson gave Army some hope just under five minutes later when he banged in a rebound past Niagara netminder Brian Wilson to make it 3-2.
Defenseman Noah Delmas had two assists for Niagara, and ranks amongst the national leaders in points per game. He now has 13 points in 10 games after registering 15 all of last season.
Johnny Curran and Stanislav Dzakhov also scored for Niagara. Dzakhov was later assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for hitting from behind. Zach Evancho scored the other goal for Army, which fell to 6-3-0 in conference play and overall.
After the game, Delmas was happy with what he has seen from the Purple Eagles so far this season.
“Tonight we tried to have a short memory,” he said of trying to rebound after a tough loss on Friday. “Luckily, we got a better result.”
Atlantic Hockey roundup
AIC 4, Sacred Heart 1
Blake Christensen scored two goals and added an assist for the Yellow Jackets. Sacred Heart went scoreless in nine power-play opportunities, while AIC converted on just one of its eight chances.
Holy Cross 3, Air Force 3
Jake Levin scored early in the third period to give the Falcons a tie. Levin also scored the first goal of the game, while Scott Pooley had two goals for the Crusaders.
Canisius 7, Mercyhurst 3
The Golden Griffins exploded for five unanswered goals to pull away from the Lakemen. Dylan McLaughlin led the Griffs with a hat trick.
RIT 5, Robert Morris 2
The Tigers scored three straight goals to defeat the Colonials in Rochester. After Erik Brown gave RIT a 3-2 lead, Chase Norrish made it 4-2 Tigers before Shawn Cameron made it 5-2.
