The final member of the Niagara hockey senior class has joined the professional ranks as forward Patrick Divjak signed with the Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League (CHL), the organization announced on Thursday.
“Pat has earned this opportunity at the professional level,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “This is a fresh start for him and his talents should make this a seamless transition into the professional game.”
During his four-year career at Niagara, the Vienna, Austria native compiled 77 points off 21 goals and 56 assists. As a junior in 2012-13, he led the Purple Eagles to the program’s fourth NCAA appearance and first Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) regular season title with a terrific campaign by posting eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points.
Divjak is the 20th Niagara alum currently playing professionally and the fourth Purple Eagle to ink a deal since the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. Forward Ryan Rashid signed with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), while defensemen Kevin Ryan and Matt Williams have joined the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) and the Brampton Beast (CHL), respectively. Ryan and Williams have already suited up for their respective teams, with Ryan pocketing a pair of assists in four games for a plus-4 rating, while Williams has contributed a goal and is a plus-3
“I am very proud of the Class of 2013,” added Burkholder. “They excelled in the classroom as their GPA’s will attest. They were a huge part of our successes the last four seasons. I am looking forward to watching the four individuals graduate during Commencement in May. ”
