Niagara University’s men’s hockey program is gearing up for the 2026 season as head coach Jason Lammers begins his tenth year at the helm. Lammers, who has built a reputation for steady growth, says the arrival of a new cohort of freshmen could be the catalyst the team needs to chase the Atlantic Hockey Association title.
The incoming class features a blend of defensive grit and offensive flair, with seven players joining the roster from junior circuits across North America. Their diverse backgrounds range from Canadian junior leagues to U.S. developmental teams, each bringing a distinct skill set that Lammers hopes will translate into immediate impact.
A Fresh Talent Pool
Among the newcomers, defenseman Quinlan Clair arrives after a season split between the BCHL and the OJHL, where he recorded 28 points in 60 games. Forward Nicholas DiPaolo, who tallied 25 goals and 51 points over three junior seasons in the BCHL, adds depth to the forward lines. Adam Gionta, son of former NHL captain Brian Gionta, contributed 42 points in 44 NAHL games last year, while Maximus McGuire, a six‑foot‑four, 201‑pound defenseman, posted eight goals and 13 points in 31 appearances.
Other prospects include Lucas Moore, who logged 33 points and 11 goals in 68 games with the Brantford Bulldogs before a mid‑season trade, and Camden Pier, who notched 15 points in 21 games for the Lone Star Brahmas. James Richards brings 35 points and 38 assists along with 61 penalty minutes from 52 BCHL games, while Josh Van‑Mulligen, a six‑foot‑three defenseman, accumulated 13 points in 33 playoff contests over two years.
Coach Lammers emphasized that the team’s success will hinge on how quickly these players adapt to the college pace and the chemistry they develop with returning veterans. If the freshmen can mesh with the existing core, the program believes it has a realistic chance to contend for the AHA championship.