NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara University hockey head coach David Burkholder has named the captains for the 2015-16 season. Matt Dineen and Nick Cecere will don the 'C' while TJ Sarcona and Kevin Patterson will be assistant captains.

"I couldn't be more pleased than to have these four individuals representing our program as captains," Burkholder said. "They all bring different attributes to the table, and along with Tim (Madsen) and Eddie (Olczyk) they will keep this year's edition of Purple Eagles Hockey unified and successful."

Dineen, a senior defenseman from Newmarket, Ontario, has seen action in 60 career games while accumulating eight points. He had three assists in 24 games in his first season as a captain last year.  

Cecere, a senior defenseman from West Des Moines, Iowa, scored three goals, including two on the power play, and had three assists in 28 games last season.  

Sarcona, a junior forward from West Islip, N.Y., has a career total of 16 goals and 24 assists in 67 games as a Purple Eagle. He led Niagara in assists last season with 13 and is the team's leading returner in goals with five and in points with 18. This will be his second season as an assistant captain.

Patterson, a junior forward from Colorado Springs, Colo., scored all five of his career goals last season, including two on the power play and two shorthanded. In June, Patterson was named the Atlantic Hockey Association Student-Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season.

"As a staff we have limited time with the team so you need a room full of leaders all doing the right thing in the classroom, community and on the ice," Burkholder said. "We are confident in the team and know our captains will help in this regard."

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