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." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------