WINTHROP, Mass. – Niagara freshman goalie Chad Veltri was named the Atlantic Hockey Association’s Rookie of the Week following an impressive weekend in the crease. This marks Veltri’s second weekly rookie honor of the month.
The Pittsburgh native stopped 58 of 62 shots faced during a 1-1 weekend against RIT. He allowed just one goal in a 4-1 home win on Friday, February 21, giving the Purple Eagles three much-needed points in a crowded AHA playoff picture. The following night in Rochester, Veltri backstopped the Purple Eagles into overtime before the team ultimately fell, 3-2.
February has been Veltri’s best month of the season, and his performance between the pipes has helped Niagara climb into position to host a home playoff series. In six games played since the beginning of the month, Veltri has a .942 save percentage, a 1.81 goals-against average, one shutout, and four wins in 331:13 of ice time. Veltri’s save percentage over that span is tied for eighth-best in the nation.
The Purple Eagles will close out the regular season this weekend when they host a two-game set against Robert Morris on February 28-29. Puck drop for both games is set for 7 p.m. There are major playoff implications for Niagara in the series, as they continue to chase the Colonials for the fifth and final first round bye in the AHA playoffs, which begin on March 6. Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased on Ticketmaster or by contacting the ticket office at 716-286-TIXX And as always, Coach Lammers encourages all fans to attend his public press conference following the conclusion of the game.
