By Luke Burgess
Syracuse, NY — With only four games to go and a do or die mentality, Syracuse (9-17-1, 4-8-0 in ESCHL) has its back against the wall. A two game weekend series with the University of Delaware (14-15-1, 4-7-1 in ESCHL) will likely determine their fate. Syracuse will celebrate their seniors during Saturday night's contest and then prepare for a crucial conference game Sunday afternoon.
There is a lot more to play for than just playoffs this weekend. It’ll be the last time that six outstanding seniors take the ice in the orange and blue. Each one has given so much to the program over their four years, and have made an impact on even those who have just recently joined the fold.
Freshman defenseman Sean Caddo said of the Seniors, “The Seniors have given it their all for this program and have helped so much for the past four years…it just makes it more special and makes us want to win for them.” Caddo, who has really developed as a regular on the blue line has learned a lot from those leaders this season.
Sitting just one place out of the playoff picture at the moment, the season comes down to this. The team has been skating six days a week since August, there is no doubt that the desire to come out on top in both contests this weekend is strong.
“The last home series of the year” Caddo said, “It’s pretty much make or break for us.”
The Orange still take on Rhode Island on the road next weekend, but if things don’t fall their way, they know that this could be it for their season.
When the Orange have had success in the recent months, it has been due to their good work on special teams, the Penalty Kill has been up and down, but when it clicks, Syracuse can hold its own with anyone the ACHA has to offer.
Senior Goaltender Jordan Edelstein starts for the Orange on Saturday. The Cuse have consistently struggled in the first game of their series this season, a win from their Senior netminder on Senior Day would no doubt give a massive boost to the squad heading into Sunday’s home finale.
Saturday’s festivities will begin with the Senior ceremony before the game, and puck drop is at 8:10 p.m. Sunday’s matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Both games will be streamed on the Syracuse Hockey Network on Youtube.
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Twitter: @BurgessLuke03
Email: ljburges@syr.edu