NIAGARA, N.Y. The Nate Leaman coaching era opened successfully as the Dutchmen captured their season-opener for their first-year head coach by defeating homestanding Niagara, 4-2, in a non-league contest at Dwyer Arena.

Union opened the scoring at 12:01 of the first period when Jordan Webb managed to get the puck by Niagara goaltender Rob Bonk. Niagara tied the game early in the second period on a goal by junior captain Barret Ehgoetz before Union rallied for two goals late in the second to take a 3-1 lead. The Dutchmens goals were scored 40 seconds apart by Brian Kerr and Scott Seney.

Niagara came out in the third and pulled to within a goal when it scored at the 53 second mark. Freshman Jeremy Hall got his stick on the rebound and buried the puck past Unions Tim Roth for Halls first collegiate goal. Union hung on for the win adding an empty net goal at the 19:11 mark of the third.

Bonk took the loss in goal for the Purple Eagles. The senior goaltender made 24 saves in the game, allowing three goals. Roth got his first win of the season, making 30 saves and allowing two goals.