Former Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta has landed a new job with a Division-1 NCAA school. Niagara University announced this week that they've hired Gionta as their Director of Player Development.

"I am excited to join a great staff led by Jason Lammers and pass on my experiences and aid the development of current and future Purple Eagles." Gionta said.

Gionta, 43, spent parts of sixteen seasons in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, tallying 595 points in 1,026 career games. The Rochester native won the Stanley Cup in 2003 with the Devils and represented the United States at two Winter Olympics (2006 and 2018).

"Brian's commitment to developing players and helping them reach their full potential is his priority," said head coach Jason Lammers. "Brian's strong leadership skills and passion for the game are Uncommon and will bring a new level of development for our student-athletes both on and off the ice to the program."

Only two players in Niagara University history have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, Sean Bentivoglio (one game) and Matt Ryan (12 games). The organization is hoping that Gionta's experience can help them produce players that will go on to play in the NHL and have success at that level.

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