Men’s Hockey: Purpura reportedly transferring to LIU

Rising junior goaltender Vinnie Purpura is reportedly transferring from Boston University to Long Island University, according to Mark Divver and College Hockey News’ Mike McMahon. Purpura will be part of the inaugural roster for the Sharks’ men’s hockey program, which LIU announced in April.

Last season, Purpura made two appearances, starting against Northern Michigan on Oct. 18 at Agganis Arena, a 4-3 loss, and allowing two goals on ten shots in relief of Sam Tucker at Providence on Nov. 9. In the two showings, the Lemont, Ill. native came away with an .860 save percentage, a 4.90 goals-against average (GAA) and a record of 0-2-0 allowing six goals on 43 shots.

After joining the team as a midseason addition two years ago during his freshman year, Purpura appeared in four games, earning an 0-2-0 record, a .911 save percentage, and 3.16 GAA. During his time in Boston as a whole, the 6-foot-6, 194 pound netminder suited up in six games for the Terriers, going 0-4-0, in addition to stopping 105 of 119 shots, making for a 3.73 GAA and a .895 save percentage.

The Terriers added freshman goaltender Ashton Abel at the winter break last year, who seemed to carve out a role in tandem with Tucker during the second semester. While Tucker and Nico Lynch graduated following 2019-20, new recruits Drew Commesso and Vincent Duplessis will join BU this fall.

With Abel, Commesso, who is expected to compete for the starting job, and Duplessis in the fold for the 2020-21 season, it seems that Purpura may have been the odd man out in the battery of goaltenders.

Purpura should get an opportunity to earn a starting role with LIU in the fall under head coach Brett Riley. Former Maine Black Bear backup Stephen Mundinger is also reportedly joining the Sharks as a graduate transfer, per Divver.