27 February 2016

A Hazy Shade of Purple

On December 2, 2000, the 1,400 seat home of Niagara University Purple Eagles hockey was dedicated to Robert and Concetta (Bob and Connie) Dwyer with their support "to enhance the vitality of ... campus life and that of the local community. Today was the first of a home double-header with the Falcons of the Air Force Academy. The score remained 1-0 to the Air Force after a period, with the falcons dominating the latter half of said period. Then they exploded for three goals in a two minute and one second span midway through period two, beginning with a power play goal. In the third, Niagara started strong by registering a goal, but gave up two more before the 6-1 final to the visitors. The loss is the Purple Eagles second straight lost following three straight ties after overtime. Like yesterday, tonight's game is at 7:05 PM EST where the senior's will be recognized.






NU's Dwyer Arena has been a personal bucket list item of mine for a long time probably twelve years.  In 2002, 2008, and 2010 it hosted the conference championship for the former College Hockey America (CHA). While the women's half of the conference continues to compete, the men's conference disbanded in 2010. Dwyer also co-hosted the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships alongside Buffalo's First Niagara Center. The big draw for me wasn't the recent round of Niagara jerseys but rather that of their opponent. You can get some glimpse of both above, but I will put it to my points system, which is being resurrected for a one-off appearance, at a later time in the near future. Until then , enjoy America's collegiate purple haze in hockey.

-Ricky

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