NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Former Niagara Purple Eagle defenseman Kevin Albers has signed a contract to play for the Gwinnett Gladiators of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
 
The Gladiators are an affiliate of the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates and the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes. 
 
"I'm not surprised that Kevin has signed on and beginning his career," Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder said. "He will be a fine asset and valuable player at the next level. We wish him well."
 
Albers was a four-year member of the Purple Eagles from 2011-15 and served as captain since his junior season. The Lake Orion, Mich. native collected three goals and 17 assists for 20 points through his 121 games for the Purple and White.

He was part of a senior class that made three consecutive trips to the AHA semifinals, one AHA regular season title in 2013 and made the 2013 NCAA Tournament as the AHA's first ever at-large bid.
 
He will be the third Niagara alum to join the Gladiators. Albers joins C.J. Chartrain ('13) and Scott Arnold ('12) who are already on the roster.