By Zoe Jurmann

Sophomore Forward, #26 Sam Hutchinson
Syracuse, N.Y.-- The Syracuse Orange (3-6-0) welcomed the Oswego State Lakers (7-4-2) to the Tennity Ice Pavilion for the Orange’s first home game in two weeks. Although it took a shootout to do it, Syracuse handled Oswego 4-3.
The Syracuse Orange looked to get the metaphorical monkey off their back this weekend after losing four straight and having their only wins of the season come from Drexel University’s forfeits.
Lucas Prestamo mentioned the need to win mentality after dropping four straight against divisional opponents NYU and Delaware.
“We all knew things had to change if we wanted to get more out of the experience on the team, so we came together and collectively had our best week of practice which carried over into the game,” said the senior.
Prestamo also stated, “I believe getting that first true win for our team, our coaches, and everyone who has supported us did a lot for our confidence and we’re looking forward to getting better next week.”
The Orange kept their game clean and worked to minimize turnovers and tighten up their zone rushes. Overall, the Orange played a much more confident game. They were able to capitalize on their advantages and bounce back after each Lakers goal.
Head coach Chris Timmons said he liked the adjustments the team made this week.
“We were able to move the puck well and maintain possession which helped us gain momentum through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone,” said Coach Timmons. “We had some slight setbacks where we reverted back to old habits of throwing the puck up the boards blindly, but we were able to readjust in the third.”
Timmons continued “The mentality was playing with confidence and poise when we had possession. It’s something that we worked on heavily in practice this past week especially in our defensive zone with our breakouts.”
Prestamo believes that one of the biggest and most important improvements the team made in practice this week was their chemistry.
“On the ice, our team chemistry has improved as people have picked up on player tendencies.” Prestamo added, “We also worked a lot on breaking out of the zone this week as we have struggled in this area to start the season, but that has improved as well.”
Sam Hutchinson, who scored the game-winning goal in the shootout for the Orange added, “I thought we really improved on the breakout, we moved pucks out of the zone much more efficiently than we have.”
“This is the first game where we outshot our opponent, and our hard work in practice this week helped us get there,” said Hutchinson.
The Orange outshot their opponents through every period, including overtime, with a final tally of 39-28.
“Manny was strong for us all night and glad he was able to keep them off the scoresheet in the shootout.” Said Coach Timmons about goaltender Nick Manousos. “During the game, he made some big saves that bailed out our defensive play and kept us in it.”
Manousos saved 36-of-39 shots faced including all three during the shootout to help push the Orange to their first win.
This weekend’s game was full of emotions as the Orange’s new coaching tandem Chris Timmons and Jordan Alhart coached their first game against their former team.
Timmons commented, “There were some mixed emotions, especially when you build something after 5 years and move on, it was a tough decision for me during the summer, but the right one.”
Syracuse rallied around their coaches and was able to put out the win against their former club.
“Coach Timmons and Coach Alhart have done so much for our program in the short time they have been with us, and the fact that we had the opportunity to get our first win against his old team motivated everyone to leave it all out there Friday night,” mentioned Prestamo.
According to Hutchinson, the Orange were ready to face a hot Oswego team due to the high emotions and intensity of the night.
“Going into the game, we knew Oswego would come out hot, because who wouldn’t want to beat their old coach’s team,” Hutchinson added. “We knew we’d have to match their energy from the start, and it would take a full 60-minute effort (and then some) to win that game.”
Timmons and Alhart were able to use their experience and knowledge of the Lakers’ playing style to their advantage during the shootout.
“I’ve known Alex since he was a freshman at Oswego and with the advantage of knowing his tendencies on the shootout, I advised our guys prior to what I thought would be successful and Hutch sealed the deal.” Said Coach Timmons
Hutchinson trusted his coaches and took their advice for his attempt, and was thankful it paid off.
“Coach Alhart originally suggested that I try to go five-hole, and knowing [the] history of assistant-coaching at Oswego previously, I trusted his advice,” said Hutchinson.
Hutchinson has been one of the Orange’s best players offensively throughout the season and was happy he was finally able to solidify a win for his team.
“It felt great for us to finally get in the win column, especially at home.” Said Hutchinson. “Our captains and upperclassmen have poured so much into this program the past couple of months, and to see all of their hard work and leadership begin to pay off was really special.”
Prestamo, who took the first shoot-out attempt for the Orange spoke about the intense anxiety of the shootout and of the joy felt by the entire team after Hutchinson’s goal.
“After Hutch scored, it was pure joy and excitement as it was a hard-earned victory that everyone contributed to,” said Prestamo.
“[Hutchinson] has been a presence since day one and was hungry to get the first win for the guys,” said Coach Timmons. “It was the definition of getting the monkey off our back. These guys put in the work thus far and it was a well-deserved win.”
Timmons concluded “ I think that game was some good closure and a bit of a perfect ending for me. I know they will keep the program moving in the right direction, but I am really excited and proud to be a part of the Orange now and ready to build something special here.”
You can catch the Orange on Saturday at 3:30 against URI at Tennity Ice Pavilion as the Orange celebrate Alumni weekend and induct a new class to the Syracuse Hockey Hall of Fame.
Contact me:
By e-mail: zjurmann@syr.edu
Instagran: Zoejurmann
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