Purple Eagles evaluating goalies on eve of opener

Courtesy of Thomas Baldwin of the Niagara Gazette

In the 12-year history of the Niagara University men’s hockey program, the Purple Eagles have made the NCAA Tournament every four years, in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

Will the trend continue in 2012?

Perhaps the biggest key will be the goaltending, where statistically the Purple Eagles were not bad last year. However, no goalie stormed to the forefront when needed, and the result was a surprising first round exit in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament.

Niagara has four goaltenders on the roster — Carsen Chubak, Cody Campbell, Chris Noonan and Colby Drost. Chubak suffered serious knee damage last November and missed the rest of the season. He is back on the ice and part of an open competition for the starting spot.

“It is a great problem to have,” Niagara coach Dave Burkholder said. “Our goaltenders have to realize that in every shot at practice and every drill, they are being evaluated. I think when the refs show up on Friday and Saturday, it is going to be a tough decision for the staff.

“I think, on any given night, we have three guys who are capable of carrying it.”

Noonan, a senior, went 8-3-2 with a 2.94 goals against average and a .903 save percentage last season. He is motivated to play, and play well, in his last go around.

“I think experience plays in my favor, but I think it is good to have competition,” Noonan said. “It keeps everybody strong and makes me better. I hope I am in the spot every weekend where I am called upon.”

Another issue for Niagara is the loss of its two top scorers — Paul Zanette and Bryan Hazcyk. The two accounted for 57 of Niagara’s 124 goals last season.

“It is similar to a year ago,” Burkholder said. “We lost some pretty good offensive players from last year, and it was, ‘Who is going to step up?’ We are looking to Giancarlo (Iuorio) to continue his rise.”

Iuorio had 13 points as a freshman and 33 points last season.

“Obviously, the (Ryan) Rashid, (Scott) Arnold and (Patrick) Divjak line played together all last year,” said Burkholder of the trio, which combined for 22 goals and 65 points last year. “Overall, by committee, I think we are going to be really good offensively. I think we have a lot of depth, much more than we have had in the past.”

If Saturday’s exhibition game is any indication, Arnold looks ready to step up. Arnold had three goals, and was industrious last season with 16 goals and 22 points with very little power play time.

“He is a shooter, and he has a quick release and a very heavy shot,” Burkholder said.

Although it is very early, and it hasn’t played an official game yet, Burkholder seemingly likes his club.

“It is a really committed group,” he said. “Our goal is to get to the NCAA tournament, and win games when we get there. If we don’t, it is a lost season. Obviously, losing last year on home ice (in the AHA tourney, to hated rival Canisius, no less) was a very empty feeling. It motivated this club over the summer.”

The Purple Eagles open the season on tonight at Michigan, which is ranked sixth in the USCHO.com poll. They play their first home game Oct. 21 against Union.