NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team and head coach David Burkholder announced the signing of defenseman Andrew Pizzo to the active roster ahead of Friday night’s home matchup with the Bentley Falcons. Pizzo began the 2016-17 season in Western New York, playing with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
“Andrew is a local product, most recently from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization,” Burkholder said. “We want to thank the Jr. Sabres for getting him ready for this big step. Andrew is a big body with exceptional feet. He will transition to Division I hockey without any problem, and we are happy to welcome him to our program here at Niagara.”
A 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenseman, Pizzo played 39 games in the OJHL with Buffalo to open the 2016-17 season. Pizzo recorded a career-high 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 points with Buffalo, including five goals and seven assists on the power play.
In 115 OJHL games from 2014 to 2017, Pizzo has totaled 54 points (16+38). A native of Thorold, Ontario, Pizzo began his OJHL career with the Trenton Golden Hawks in the 2014-15 campaign, tallying 11 assists in 37 games.
Pizzo’s addition gives the Purple Eagles 20 underclassmen on their active roster, including nine sophomores and 11 freshmen. Pizzo is expected to be in the lineup Friday night as the Purple Eagles start a four-game home stand against the Bentley Falcons at 7:05 p.m.
