Whether it is traveling the world, becoming a doctor or marrying Justin Bieber, everyone has a dream.
A dream is what we reach for; it is what we yearn to achieve. It may seem crazy, but a dream is something we want more that anything else in the world. In the words of Cinderella, “A dream is a wish your heart makes”.
For Purple Eagle standout goalie
Chris Noonan, his dream is to simply play hockey.
Inked on the side of Noonan’s chest are the words “
Living The Dream”. This is his reminder that Division I hockey has been his dream ever since he first started playing the fast-paced game at six.
“As a little kid, my coach told our whole team that is was unlikely for any of us to ever see time in the National Hockey League (NHL),” Noonan said. “I really took that in. Every kid’s dream is to play for the Maple Leafs or the Red Wings, but after my coach said that, I wanted to make a realistic dream. That is why it has been my dream for many years to play college hockey”.
Noonan has reached his dream of becoming a college hockey player; however, it was not the fairytale story that someone would have thought. Noonan started his hockey career not as a goalie, but as a forward. The Portage, Mich. native did not even consider playing between the pipes until his team’s goalie did not show up for a contest and Noonan was asked to strap on the pads. From that moment on he was hooked, but never forgot his days skating outside the crease.
“Skating out (of the crease) is something I still really enjoy and still do from time to time,” said the Niagara senior. “Starting as a forward has definitely helped me as a goalie. I feel like starting there has enabled me to see the puck in different ways and has helped me with my game.
Noonan’s skills and devotion to the game have not gone unnoticed. To Purple Eagle head coach
David Burkholder it has been a great privilege to have Noonan on the team and in net.
“This year his confidence level is way up and he is playing like a senior,” Burkholder explained. “He is not your typical goalie. Chris does not show very much emotion and he is a very quiet leader. Just the way he does things is very motivating. He does a lot of workouts on the side and I think the guys notice that. He is a competitor. Even though he does not show a lot of emotions it is clear where his heart is.”
Noonan has been a great commodity to the Niagara team. In the four years he called Monteagle Ridge home, he has played in 54 games and this season has a .939 save percentage. This season has been an outstanding one for number 33 as he is currently in the nation’s top-20 in three statistical categories. Noonan’s season goals-against average of 1.76 is second in the nation, his .939 save percentage is second in the nation and he is 20th in goalie winning percentage (.611).
All those accomplishments are helping the Purple Eagles sit in the top four of the standings of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA).
In Burkholder’s words, “Noonan is on fire”.
“Being a part of the Niagara team means so much to me in so many ways,” Noonan said. “With it being such a small school there in a sense of pride that goes with being on a team. I have built strong relationships with my team, teachers and coaches. Playing here you put the school on your shoulders and work hard to get noticed. It is important to me, it is fun to me, and there is so much pride that goes with being an Eagle. I am living my dream”.
Though he wears a mask, Chris Noonan has become the face of Niagara hockey. His devotion to the team and its success has really spread throughout the locker room. The Purple Eagles will always remember Noonan for his love and commitment to the game of hockey.
Written by: Jessica Sebring, Athletic Communications Student Assistant 