Former NAHL, Tomahawks goalie Purpura joins BU for 2nd semester

January 11, 2019

Boston University (Hockey East, NCAA Division I) has added former NAHL goaltender Vinnie Purpura to its roster for the second half of the 2018-19 season.

 

A native of Lemont, Illinois, Purpura played for the NAHL’s Johnstown Tomahawks during the 2016-17 season and the beginning of last season.

 

During his time in the NAHL, Purpura played in 31 career games and posted a 14-12-2 record with a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of .894.

 

“Vinnie was a sought-after prospect and we are very fortunate for him to be joining our team after the holiday break,” said BU coach Albie O’Connell in a statement. “Vinnie is a great goaltender and an even better person. He has been through the rigors of junior hockey and fought his way to the top with some different stops along the way.”

 

Purpura has also played in 34 games in the USHL over the past season and a half with the Omaha Lancers and the Youngstown Phantoms.

 

“Vinnie is giant at 6-foot-6 and catches right handed, which is unique,” added O’Connell. “We are very excited he is joining us and we will try and make him feel welcome immediately.”