NEWS

St. Bonaventure University was able to capture the 2026 League Championship in overtime against Niagara University in mid-February in thrilling fashion. In an un-ideal situation, the SECHL's southern conference was unable to participate, so Niagara University graciously hosted the championship game against St. Bonaventure. 

In a thrilling and low scoring contest, Niagara opened the scoring when Jackson Studebaker scored 12:30 into the 1st period to put the Purple Eagles up 1-0 at the end of the 1st period. The game would see neither team find the back of the net in the middle frame, so the game stood at 1-0 after forty minutes. Early in the 3rd period, the Bonnies would tie the game at 1 on a strike from Carson Schlager. Niagara would retake the lead when Logan Scanlon was able to put the puck past Bonnies netminder Kyle Karoleski about midway through the period. St. Bonaventure would tie the game 8 minutes later when Cole Bailey tallied his 15th goal of the season. The game would need overtime to be settled. In overtime, just 3:45 in, Cole Bailey would notch his 16th goal to seal the game and League Championship for the Bonnies. Both goaltenders played spectacular in the tight contest. Josh Lacelle of Niagara faced 41 shots and made 38 saves, while Kyle Karolski stopped 37 of 39 Purple Eagle chances. 

Overall, the game exceeded expectations as both teams ranked in the top 3 overall in the northeast. It was a low scoring, low penalty, defensive battle. Despite the low score, there was no lack of excitement as both teams exchanged some high level scoring chances, big saves, and physical play. Both teams have also advanced to the 2026 ACHA DII National Tournament in St. Louis in mid March.