Preseason Power Rankings: No. 61 Niagara
Continuing our preseason power rankings, today’s newsletter takes a closer look at Niagara.
To view my complete preseason power rankings, including links to every team breakdown, use the link below:
Preseason Power Rankings: No. 61 Niagara
Storylines
— Niagara was one of the first teams in the country to release its 2026-27 schedule, unveiling it in May. The non-conference slate includes trips to Notre Dame, Bowling Green and Clarkson, along with a home series against Union. Most of Niagara’s non-conference schedule is front-loaded, although the Purple Eagles will close out the calendar year with a home-and-home series against Penn State around New Year’s.
— Jason Lammers returns for his 10th season behind the bench. Lammers was a finalist for the Harvard job this offseason. Niagara is the only program where he has served as a head coach, and he owns a 126-168-28 career record.
— Niagara finished 13-23-1 last season, marking the first time in three years that the program failed to post a record of .500 or better.
— Leading scorer Declan McDonnell signed an ECHL contract at the end of last season. He led the Purple Eagles with 26 points and tied for the team lead with 12 goals. Senior Noah Hackett, who also scored 12 goals, graduated.
