By: Isabella Cucci and Chloe Martinez
Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Men’s Hockey fell in a physical series against No. 15 Oswego State this past weekend, 8-4 on the road on Friday and 5-4 at home on Saturday. In addition to the home game, the Orange hosted their annual “Pink the Rink” fundraiser, donating funds to the
Susan G. Komen Foundation to raise awareness about breast cancer.
SU headed up 45 minutes towards the border to the Deborah F. Stanley Arena Friday night.
When Syracuse took the ice, senior Brock Alvers sported a noticeable change on his jersey, an “A” for his new role as an alternate captain for the team.
“It is an honor and a privilege to wear an ‘A’ and continue the legacy of the [players] who wore it before me,” Alvers said. “I’m excited for the rest of this year.”
Both teams entered the game with momentum: Syracuse was coming off a sweep of their alumni series against Delaware, while Oswego had recently swept Rhode Island. Oswego struck quickly as the first period began, with forward Jeremy Keyes scoring within the first 42 seconds. Keyes, along with his linemates Carter McWilliams and Zach Derito, racked up an impressive eight goals and 20 points over the two-game span.
Oswego then incurred two penalties, giving Syracuse a two-man advantage, but the Orange were unable to capitalize. Later, after Syracuse forward Tanner Cole was penalized, Oswego managed to extend their lead to 2-0. However, freshman forward Eli Pendergrass responded by scoring his first collegiate goal with an assist from junior Jack Wren.
“Getting to play with the same line for a few weeks helps,” Pendergrass said. “Specifically, Jack [Wren] and I have been doing penalty kills together. We’re developing an understanding of where we’ll be on the ice, so it’s getting easier to read each other’s moves and know where to send the puck.”
In the second period, the Orange managed to tie the game as fifth year and captain Sam Hutchinson scored on a rebound set up by Kade Cook. The tie was short-lived, however, as Keyes scored again, putting himself on a potential hat trick watch. Four minutes later, Lakers junior Anthony Divita added another goal. Keyes soon completed his hat trick, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Despite a breakaway goal by Wren and a follow-up from forward Jack Alecia, who leads the team in goals, Oswego regained control with freshman Sava Makarenko’s goal, pushing the score to 6-4.
In the third period, Oswego solidified their lead with two more goals against Syracuse starting goalie AJ Finta—one from forward Zach Derito and another from Brayden Palfi. The game ended with Oswego victorious, 8-4, leaving Syracuse eager for redemption in the following day's match.
Returning to Tennity Ice Pavilion, Syracuse aimed to claim a win for “Pink the Rink,” but fell short again to Oswego. Sporting pink jerseys and fighting for a cause, the Orange looked to secure a big win in honor of Susan G. Komen.
The game began with Oswego’s rookie Alex Ceselka scoring the first goal. Syracuse responded with back-to-back goals by forwards Brendan Duffy and Max Gargurevich, adding some much-needed momentum. The period ended at tied at two after Keyes added yet another goal to his tally.
Oswego dominated the second period with goals by Keyes and Anthony Divita. Although the Lakers scored early in the third, the Orange fought back with consecutive goals from forwards Cam Gaffney and Kade Cook, trying to stay competitive. However, the Lakers held on to their lead, winning the game 5-4.
“Overall the weekend was a frustrating one,” head coach Chris Timmons said. “...It’s a setback, but I know the team is looking to bounce back this week and get back to the win column, especially with a long series of road trips coming up. I have faith in this group to rebound as we’ve proven throughout the season thus far.”
Syracuse sets out on the road next weekend, facing Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 8 p.m. on Friday. and at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
All home games are held at the Tennity Ice Pavilion on Syracuse University’s campus and are free for students and the general public. Home games are also streamed live on the SU Hockey Network.
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