After 16 years at the helm, longtime Niagara hockey head coach Dave Burkholder will not return for a 17th season, the school announced on Monday.
Burkholder, who has been with the Purple Eagles with 2001, helped guide the program to 247 wins and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.
“The ice hockey program at Niagara University is incredibly important to the university community. Its success plays an important role in the vibrancy of our campus life, and that extends beyond the campus into our region,” said Simon Gray, director of athletics in a statement.
“Much of that culture can be credited to Dave Burkholder’s legacy with our team. However, after recent discussions with Dave about the future of the program, both Dave and the university have decided that a change in leadership is best for the program.”
The Purple Eagles were 5-31-3 this season.
A national search for his replacement is underway.
