The Niagara hockey team and head coach Dave Burkholderhave announced seven new additions to the Purple Eagle hockey family. Set to join Niagara’s class of 2018 is Robert Angiolella, Stanislav Dzakhov, Luke Edwards,Albin Karlsson, Keegan Harper, Derian Plouffe and Lawrence Smith.
“On behalf of our entire hockey program it is with great pleasure and anticipation that we welcome the class of 2018,” Burkholder said. “My staff has done an outstanding job finding these individuals that fit our goals and culture associated with Niagara hockey.”
Lawrence Smith │ 6-foot-3 │ 198 lbs. │Grand Island, N.Y. │ Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
Rounding out the recruiting list is Lawrence Smith who comes to Niagara in hopes of making an impact on the blueline. The 6-foot-3 defenseman played two seasons with the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, after spending the 2011-12 season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL. As a member of the Canadians, the CCHL All-Star Team member accumulated seven goals and 63 assists, including 43 helpers during the 2013-14 campaign that contributed to his career-high 47 points.
“Larry, at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, is a two-way defenseman that can play in all situations,” Madsen said. “He has great power play instincts, and a very heavy shot that we expect to be an asset on our power play unit.”
Robert Angiolella │ 5-foot-10 │190 lbs. │ Richmond Hill, Ont. │Aurora Tigers (OJHL)
Forward Robert Angiolella began his Ontario Junior Hockey League career with the Vaughan Vipers before making his way to the Markham Waxers where he recorded 47 points in 58 games. Angiolella joined the Aurora Tigers for the 2012-13 season where he led the squad to a division title. The two-time OJHL North All-Star team member was named captain the following season en route to the OJHL North-East Conference title. He wrapped up his two campaigns with the Tigers with 49 goals and 50 assists for 99 points in regular season play, while adding another 13 points in playoff action.
“Rob is a two-way center who excels on faceoffs and being a reliable penalty-killer,” associate head coach Tim Madsen said.
Stanislav Dzakhov │ 6-foot-2 │ 210 lbs. │ Moscow, Russia │ Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
The second recruit to join the Purple Eagles is 6-foot-2 forward Stanislav Dzakhov. During the 2011-12 season, Dzakhov started with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League, notching nine goals, 12 assists and eight points in 66 games before transferring to the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League. With the Bobcats, the 2013 Robertson Cup All-Tournament Forward scored 35 goals, 33 assists and 68 points in 84 games. Dzakhov finished his second year with the Bobcats as the team’s leading goal scorer with 25 goals, which was ranked eighth in the NAHL, while adding 23 assists for 48 points.
“Stanislav brings a mixture of speed, skill and competitive level to our program, which we believe will allow him to contribute immediately in all situations,” Madsen stated.
Luke Edwards │ 5-foot-11 │189 lbs. │ Kingston, Ont. │ Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
Luke Edwards comes to Niagara looking to carve out his own niche, with the help of his older brother Brock Edwards. The 5-foot-11 center comes to Monteagle Ridge after amassing 39 goals, 74 assists and 113 points in 145 games for Carleton Place of the Central Canada Hockey League. During his rookie season that saw him garner 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists), Edwards was tabbed as the team’s Rookie of the Year, while earning the Coaches Award after the completion of the 2013-14 season.
“Luke is a true power-forward with tremendous hockey sense, and the ability to make play in all three zones,” Madsen said.
Keegan Harper │ 5-foot-11 │ 195 lbs. │Ottawa, Ont. │Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL)
Defenseman Keegan Harper comes to Monteagle Ridge after five years in CCHL, split between the Cumberland Grads and the Pembroke Lumber Kings. In his two years with the Lumber Kings, the blueliner played in 120 games, while scoring 23 goals, 48 assists and 71 points.
“Keegan is an intelligent, mobile, offensive defenseman who we expect to help our power play immediately,” Madsen stated.
Albin Karlsson │ 5-foot-9 │ 170 lbs. │ Sigtuna, Sweden │ Kenai River Brown Bears(NAHL)
Albin Karlsson joins the Purple Eagles after playing the previous two seasons with the Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League. While there the forward tallied 25 goals and 47 helpers in 106 contests.
“Albin has the ability to change a game with his high-end division-one speed,” Madsen said. “He has great offensive instincts, and plays the game with great tenacity.”
Derian Plouffe │ 5-foot-10 │ 180 lbs. │ Shawville, Quebec City │ Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)
Before spending the 2013-14 season with the Smiths Falls Bears, center Derian Plouffe began his CCHL career with the Kanata Stallions. His standout season came in 2012-13, where Plouffe tallied a career-high 35 goals and 33 assists for 68 points. Overall, the Shawville, Quebec City native put together an impressive run in 143 games with the Stallions, scoring 67 goals and adding 82 helpers for 149 points.
“Derian’s greatest asset is his ability to score goals,” Madsen stated. “He has scored goals at every level has played at, and we fully expect that to translate to college hockey.”
“We have identified our needs and these young players will all have an impact on our success in the classroom, on the ice and in the community,” added Burkholder.
The Purple Eagles open the 2014-15 season at Dwyer Arena against a pair of ECAC opponents. NU will face Clarkson on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and will host St. Lawrence on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Season tickets are now available. For more ticket information, please contact the Niagara Ticket Office at (716) 286-TIXX (8499), [email protected] or visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.
