Momentous news from Niagara University in Western New York.
Following are extracts from a news release issued yesterday:
 
"Plans for construction of a $6-million hockey arena that would
accommodate collegiate teams and community organizations were
announced today by Niagara University."
 
"Speaking at a press conference on the NU campus, the Rev. Brian J.
O'Connell, C.M., president of the university, said construction of
the 76,000-square-foot arena is expected to begin in early August and
be completed by April of 1996."
 
Niagara, which already has a club hockey team, will field a Division
I hockey program for men in the fall of 1996.  A women's team is
expected to begin to compete at the club level in the fall of 1996
before entering Division I in 1997.  The men's team will play in the
ECAC/West and the women will play as independents.
 
"The arena ... will contain two 85-by-200-foot ice pads.  The main
rink will include seating for 2,300 spectators, with the potential
for an additional 500 seats.  The auxiliary rink will include seating
for approximately 200.  In addition, the arena will contain 10 locker
rooms, four meeting rooms, a concession stand and a pro shop."
 
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Dr. Stephen E. Roth                [log in to unmask]
Dean of Student Services
Canisius College                            (716) 888-2522
Buffalo, New York 14226                 FAX (716) 888-3190
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