Hockey Signs Extension with LECOM Harborcenter, Agrees to Terms with UBMD Orthapaedics

Canisius University has announced that it has entered into a five-year agreement with LECOM Harborcenter to serve as the home of the Golden Griffins hockey program through the year 2029.

In addition, the school has entered into a five-year agreement with UBMD Orthapaedics & Sports Medicine to serve as the official strength and conditioning provider for the hockey program out of the Impact Sports Performance Center, located inside LECOM Harborcenter.

"Our relationship with LECOM Harborcenter has been instrumental in the growth of or program and has provided an outstanding platform to engage our campus community," Canisius Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Maher said. "We are proud to continue this partnership and to demonstrate that Canisius and the LECOM Harborcenter are committed to being part of the ongoing revitalization in the City of Buffalo."

The Golden Griffins hosted the first hockey game at what was known as Harborcenter on October 31, 2014, when 2,000 blue and gold fans packed the brand-new facility on its opening night and played nationally ranked Ohio State to a 3-3 tie.

"Canisius University has been a valuable member of the LECOM Harborcenter family since the building opened more than a decade ago and we're thrilled to continue to be the home for Golden Griffins hockey," LECOM Harborcenter general manager Jason Long said. "The energy in the building for Canisius games is spectacular and we look forward to many more exciting games and victories to come."

"We are proud to support these talented athletes by providing both specialized orthopaedic care and expert guidance from our athletic training staff to help them excel on and off the ice," Bianca Gowanny, HR & Marketing Communications Specialist for UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine said. "This partnership enables us to offer top-tier care, ensuring athletes can optimize their performance while prioritizing their health and injury prevention. We look forward to supporting Canisius Hockey through another successful season."

Since that opening night against the Buckeyes, Canisius has amassed a record of 115-106-32 on home ice, highlighted by a sweep of perennial college hockey powerhouse North Dakota during the 2018-19 season, the program's first AHA Regular Season Championship in 2016-17 and the Griffs' second AHA Tournament title in 2022-23.

"LECOM Harborcenter has been the home of Canisius hockey since its opening in 2014 and we're excited that this announcement means the continuation of that relationship," Canisius hockey head coach Trevor Large said. "The building has an outstanding reputation throughout the hockey community as a world-class facility and our program has greatly benefited from the ability to train, practice and play there. We look forward to the future and how we can use this relationship to continue to raise the profile of both Canisius hockey and hockey overall in the Greater Buffalo region."

Canisius opens its 2024-25 home slate this weekend with a two-game series against ECAC Hockey opponent RPI. Conference home dates this year also include matchups with regional rivals Mercyhurst, Niagara and RIT, as well as series against AHA preseason favorite Sacred Heart, Air Force and Robert Morris. The Griffs also host nationally ranked Michigan State in a non-conference series Oct. 25-26

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