Syracuse Drops Two Game Set to Delaware

By Amir Mehrtash and Benjamin Lefkowitz 

Photo Credit: Ian Rempe / @ir_images

NEWARK, D.E.- The Syracuse Men’s Hockey team  (9-11-4) continued its seven-game road trip with a two-game set against the University of Delaware (14-13-1) this weekend. In a matchup between two teams in the ACCHL North Division, the Orange dropped both contests, falling 4-3 in the first game and 3-2 in the second. 

Freshman goalie Bryce Miller made his ACHA debut for Syracuse in the series opener and was tested early, stopping five shots in the first three minutes. The Orange took two early penalties before Delaware converted on its second power play opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. 

Syracuse took its fourth penalty of the period midway through the first, but the penalty kill stood tall. Senior forward Jack Wren burst down the ice for a breakaway chance and sophomore forward Tanner Cole buried the rebound for his fourth goal of the year-tying the game at one.

Syracuse dominated play early in the second period, firing shots on goal. However, the Blue Hens caught the Orange in a long line change and fired a shot past Miller, taking the lead at 2-1.

Syracuse later had a power play to even the score, but Delaware killed it off. Moments later, The Blue Hens dominated a man advantage, scoring to make it a two goal game at 3-1.

With less than five minutes remaining in the period, the Orange still pressed hard to try to claw their way back. Senior defenseman Jake Brown delivered a heavy hit to keep the puck in the offensive zone, then regained control and sniped a shot top shelf for his first of the season to make it a one goal game at 3-2 heading into the third period. 

SU came out strong in the final twenty minutes, but couldn’t find the equalizer. With under 10 minutes to go, senior defenseman Sean Caddo entered the offensive zone and found freshman forward Nathan McLean who threaded the needle to sophomore forward  Cam Gaffney for the tip-in goal for his third of the year to tie the game at three.

Both teams traded chances down the stretch. Delaware maintained possession late and scored  with 26 seconds remaining  to take a 4-3 lead. Syracuse pulled Miller to get the extra skater, but the Blue Hens held on to secure the win.

In the series finale on Friday night, Syracuse looked to bounce back, but ultimately fell 3-2 to Delaware to close out the weekend sweep.

Goaltender AJ Finta returned to the crease after Bryce Miller’s solid ACHA debut the night before. Syracuse came out flying, firing three quick shots in the opening 90 seconds and setting the tone early with sustained offensive pressure.

The Orange took the game’s first penalty at the 8-minute mark, and Delaware capitalized on the power play to take a 1-0 lead. Syracuse responded with a strong push, and after drawing a power play of their own, sophomore Eli Pendergrass buried a goal just after the 14-minute mark, assisted by forward Jack McCormick, to tie the game at one.

Syracuse carried momentum into the second period, outshooting Delaware early and controlling play. The Orange were rewarded when Delaware took a cross-checking penalty, and just 28 seconds into the power play, forward Carter Rugg cashed in on a rebound off a Ryan Thomas shot to give Syracuse its first lead of the night at 2-1.

The game quickly turned physical, with scrums and penalties on both sides. Delaware tied the game at 2-2 midway through the period, and the rest of the frame featured heavy hitting and chippy play as both teams battled for momentum.

Delaware struck early in the third period, scoring just 26 seconds in on the power play to regain the lead at 3-2. Syracuse continued to press, generating chances and keeping themselves in it until the end.

The Orange applied strong pressure in the closing minutes and outshot the Blue Hens 40-24 on the night, but were unable to find the equalizer. Delaware held on down the stretch to secure the 3-2 win and complete the weekend sweep.

Syracuse will be back on the road this weekend as they will face Rhode Island on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 4:00 p.m., the final stop on an extended road stretch. 

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.