A Season of Remembrance
At the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft the Niagara University Division 2 club hockey team turned a tragic loss into a moving tribute to their late teammate Bradly Burden, a 22‑year‑old defenseman who died in a single‑car accident in Niagara Falls on February 24.
The Purple Eagles had climbed to the No. 1 ranking in their division that season, but the accident cut short their campaign and left the roster grappling with grief. In honor of Burden, the team wore jerseys bearing his No. 20 and his name on the back, a visual reminder of the bond they shared.
The emotional moment was amplified by the presence of the Buffalo Sabres, who invited the Purple Eagles onto the draft stage, allowing the young players to experience the atmosphere that had been denied to Burden. His sister, Shannon Burden, announced the team’s fourth‑round selection of forward Olivers Murnieks from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
A Bittersweet Draft Moment
Alex Nisevich described the experience as surreal and bittersweet, noting that Burden’s constant smile helped the group navigate the emotional weight of the day. "It felt like we were playing for him as much as for ourselves," Nisevich said.
Matt Croll added that while losing a teammate mid‑season was a challenge, honoring Burden became a rallying point that kept the club’s spirit alive as they prepared for the ACHA M2 Nationals in St. Louis later that March. The team continued to wear Burden’s number in practices and community events, reinforcing a legacy that will persist long after the final whistle.