Niagara coach Dave Burkholder has agreed to a new multi-year contract, locking him up through the 2007-08 season.
Burkholder, who begins his ninth year with the program, fourth as head coach, led the Purple Eagles to a CHA tournament title and automatic NCAA bid last season.
“I’m pleased that Dave will continue to lead the Niagara University’s men’s hockey program,” Niagara athletic director Mike Hermann said. “Under his guidance, men’s hockey has quickly become a source of pride within our university and has continued to receive national notoriety for our university. At the same time, he and his players have been great ambassadors for Niagara within the community. I look forward to working with Dave to continue to build our program.
Said Burkholder, “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead the Niagara University hockey program, and I hope to continue the tradition that has been built during its short history. My family and I are very happy to be a part of the Niagara University community and graciously call it home.”
Last year, Niagara posted its first 20-win season since 1999-00, and its 14 regular-season CHA victories were also the most since Niagara’s first NCAA appearance. Burkholder’s squad posted wins over four ranked teams, including then-No. 1 New Hampshire in the Punch Imlach Tournament, during the 2003-04 season.
In three seasons, Burkholder has also been instrumental in helping the Purple Eagles garner national, regional and conference awards. This past season, junior forward Barret Ehgoetz was a Hobey Baker Award finalist and the CHA co-Player of the Year. Sophomore goaltender Jeff VanNynatten picked up the CHA Tournament MVP award.
Burkholder enters the 2004-05 season with a 53-49-9 overall record, including a 32-17-6 mark in the CHA.
