By Tim Schmitt
LEWISTON — Chris Moran is tricky. Crafty. The kind of guy who can control portions of a college hockey game without blazing speed, bulking size or a booming shot.
And as a freshman three years ago, College Hockey America took notice. It had to. After spending time at Cardinal O’Hara High School and with Omaha of the USHL, Moran splashed onto the scene as the league’s rookie of the year, finishing with the league lead in assists (31) while posting 40 points for the Niagara University men’s hockey team.
His deft passing and stickhandling skills made him a fixture on the power play for the Purple Eagles, and in his junior year he notched eight of his 12 goals with the man-advantage. When he finishes his career — something he and the Purple Eagles hope to extend with a win tonight in the semifinals of the final CHA Tournament against No. 8 Bemidji State — Moran will leave as the program’s all-time assist leader.
“As far as stick skills, he’s one of the best if not the best at Niagara. The stuff he does, chipping it between guys legs, chipping it into empty space and next thing you know, he’s gone,” said Niagara coach Dave Burkholder, who has been with the program since its inception 14 years ago. “People think they have him lined up, almost like Gretzky, but he gets out of the way. He never seems to take a big hit.
“It’s been a lot of fun to watch him.”
With 39 points this year, just one shy of that 40 he posted as a freshman, Moran has emerged as the team’s top center and a catalyst for an offense that’s occasionally swooned. He’s posted 11 multiple-point games this year, including a goal and two assists in a 5-0 win over Robert Morris on Nov. 25.
“I think I’ve been consistent with the puck when it’s on my stick,” Moran said when asked about his strengths and weaknesses. “Obviously, I could be better defensively. There can always be improvement defensively. You always want coach to be comfortable with you on the ice late in the game.”
Chances are good that Moran will need to see plenty of ice time tonight against Bemidji State (23-8-3) in what could be a season-salvaging upset. The Beavers, who stunned the college hockey world by running to the Frozen Four last year, have been in the national top 10 throughout this season.
And Burkholder knows he’ll need maybe the biggest effort of Moran’s career if Niagara (11-19-4) is entertaining thoughts of a win on home ice. Moran has scored at least one point in each of the previous five CHA Tournament games he’s played in.
“In one-game showdowns, you need your best player to be your best player. It’s a big weekend for Chris,” Burkholder said. “He’s played like a senior down the stretch. He got off to a little bit of a slow start in regards to points, but the whole second semester he’s been our go-to guy. He’s carried us offensively.”
Moran is still a pass-first player by all means, but Burkholder said he thinks the senior is learning to use sneaky shot more frequently. He has five goals in the team’s last 13 games.
“I think he’s done a better job of shooting it more this year, and when he gets to the next level it’s going to be demanded,” Burkholder said. “When he picks his spot, it’s usually a bulls-eye, but it’s hard to take that creativity away from him.”
As for the next level, Moran is hoping to follow the likes of Sean Bentivoglio, who’s had a successful American Hockey League season with Bridgeport after leaving Niagara. He’s not opposed to start elsewhere, however, like in the ECHL.
“I’m hoping to get a shot in the AHL, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” he said. “I hope I’ve given myself the opportunity to go on and play.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
GAME NIGHT
No. 8 Bemidji State vs. Niagara
• WHEN: 7 p.m.
• WHERE: Dwyer Arena
• RADIO: 1440-AM
• TV: TW-13
• NOTES: This is the first time in the history of the CHA Tournament that Niagara and Bemidji State have met earlier than the final. ... The game is preceded by No. 2 Robert Morris vs. No. 3 Alabama-Huntsville at 3 p.m. ... Niagara beat Bemidji by a 6-4 score on Jan. 15, but dropped a 4-3 decision the following night at Dwyer Arena. ... The Beavers are led by Matt Read (40 pts.), Jordan George (33 pts.) and defenseman Brad Hunt (31 pts.). ... Niagara’s Chris Moran finished with the most points in conference games (24).
