Niagara University Men’s Hockey defeats Bemidji 3-1

Senior Ted Cook (Hogansburg, N.Y.) took over Niagara’s career-goal scoring record on Nov. 25 with his 72nd goal as the men’s hockey team (5-5-1; 1-0-0 CHA) defeated Bemidji State (2-7-0; 1-2-0 CHA) 3-1 at Dwyer Arena on Friday night.

Cook’s goal broke a tie with 2005 graduate Barret Ehgoetz, giving the senior sole possession of Niagara’s career goal scoring record. The criminology and criminal justice major made sure that Bemidji State netminder Matt Dalton served some hard time, after scoring from point blank range on a sharp angle to put the Purps up 1-0 in the second period.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Cook said. “I have the puck in my stall and I hope to score more as the year goes on.” 

Head coach Dave Burkholder was happy with the effort his team put in tonight, including Cook’s record-breaking goal.

“It’s another great win at Dwyer Arena,” Burkholder said. “Cook’s goal was a goal-scorers goal. Many wouldn’t shoot it from that angle, but he did. It’s a special accomplishment and Cook is a special kid.”

After Cook put Niagara up 1-0, Niagara continued its knack for scoring quick, consecutive goals, scoring just 46 seconds later. Tyler Gotto (Calgary, Alb.) sent a saucer pass over to the right point, where freshman Brian Dowd (Buffalo, N.Y.) took a wrist shot, which was deflected high, over the glove of Dalton by Egor Mironov (Thornhill, Ont.).

The Beavers would mount pressure in the third, scoring just 29 seconds in to cut the Niagara lead to 2-1. Paul Zanette (Nobleton, Ont.) would put the Purple Eagles up 3-1 with six minutes left, after sophomore David Ross (Bowmanville, Ont.) sent a perfect centering feed across the net to stuff home.

Senior netminder Juliano Pagliero (Dalroy, Alb.) made 35 saves, including two point-blank stops late in the game to seal the victory for Niagara.

The Purple Eagles finished its weekend series against Bemidji State losing 1-3 on Saturday.

Home games at Dwyer Arena

12/5/2008 at Robert Morris (Moon Township, Pa.) 7:00 PM

12/13/2008 ROBERT MORRIS at NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. 7:00 PM