Syracuse Men’s Hockey 2025-2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

By Isabella Cucci, head beat writer, and Brian Piendel

Photo Credit: Syracuse Men's Hockey Archive

Syracuse, NY- Friday’s puck drop marks the start of the annual Syracuse Men’s Hockey Hall of Fame Weekend. This year’s celebration includes two home matchups against Oswego State University, an induction banquet, and an alumni game on Sunday. The banquet will be held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Dineen Hall.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 features seven inductees — a talented group of former players and program leaders — along with the 2016–2017 Northeast Collegiate Hockey League (NECHL) League Champion Team. In addition, Syracuse Men’s Hockey will honor the recipient of the annual Van Winkle Award.

David Mosley Backhurst, SU '68 - Forward 

David Mosley Backhurst started playing hockey when his family moved to Buffalo, N.Y., and he attended the Nichols School. He played both soccer and hockey throughout his high school career and attended Wilmington College, a small school in Ohio, without a hockey program. Backhurst transferred to Syracuse in his sophomore year and played on the club hockey team in his junior and senior years.  

Backhurst immediately became an impact player for the Orange, where he recorded multiple multi-point games during his two seasons. He was named team president/captain where he handled scheduling, recruitment, roster maintenance and maintaining relationships with opposing schools. 

Following his graduation from SU, Backhurst enlisted in the Army where he created a competitive broomball league while deployed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He later moved to Michigan where he worked at the University Liggert School as a teacher and varsity soccer coach. During his time coaching, he led his team to five state championships and was inducted into the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013.  

David lives in Grosse Point Park with his wife of 56 years and maintains his connection with the University Liggert School and its sports programs by driving a school bus to many of the away games.

Al Fecteau, SU '78- Journalist (1976-1978) 

Al Fecteau, referred to as the “The Grandfather of SU hockey journalists”, by Syracuse Men’s Hockey friends and family, comes from Exeter, New Hampshire. He attended Exeter Academy before becoming roommates at Syracuse with Hardy Green, his hometown friend who was inducted into the SU Men’s Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.  

The two New Hampshire roommates both tried out for the SU men’s hockey team, where Fecteau injured his knee and ruined his chances of playing for the team. Despite this injury, Fecteau combined his passion for journalism and hockey to start covering both the men’s hockey and lacrosse teams for the Daily Orange newspaper. He maintained a positive tone in his reporting while providing names, scoring details and game highlights.  

“Going to Syracuse made me look at the big picture of sports, not just I want my team to win type of thing, but all the business aspects including recruiting, marketing, scholarships and operations.” 

After graduation, Fecteau spent 25 years in the U.S. Air Force where he served multiple deployment assignments including managing editor of his base’s newspaper.  

They put me in what was called public information” says Fecteau “that is where all the military journalists go, it’s a very rewarding career field in the military.” 

He earned three advanced degrees since his graduation from Syracuse, including one in Law, Sports Management and Criminal Justice.  

Jeff Kennedy, SU ‘89- Forward/Winger, #13  

Jeff Kennedy grew up in Andover, M.A., where he captained both his high school hockey and soccer teams, leading his soccer team to a state championship in his senior season at Andover High School. His father, an All-American collegiate goalie, insisted that his son would play hockey.   

Despite his high school success as a state championship soccer player, he followed his father’s path to becoming a collegiate hockey player. Kennedy quickly became both a fan favorite and beloved by his SU teammates for his physicality and “enforcer” mentality.

Former teammate Mike Pace described Kennedy as "a hard-nosed winger who contributed offensively and was definitely a physical presence in the both the defensive and offensive zones. Crowds loved it when he came on the ice, they knew something was about to happen.” 

Along with the energy he brought on the ice, he was just as committed to growing Syracuse Hockey off it. Kennedy organized wearing team jackets around campus, team parties and attempting to get the team to wear matching socks. His playing career ended during his senior season with a cracked vertebra from an on-ice skirmish.  

His high energy has led to a successful career following his graduation, working as a film director traveling all around the world. He has worked with celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Kevin Hart and Will Smith, and his first music video was featured on MTV.  

Jeff Kennedy continues to travel around the world for his work but now resides in New York City. He also owns a home in the Catskill Mountains where he built a “photo barn studio” on his property.  

Stephen “Steve” Bell, SU ’98- Forward, #44 

Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., Steve Bell was the type of teammate everyone wanted to play with. Bell’s hockey talents were noticed early in his playing career as he practiced with his varsity team as a 6th grader. He had a successful high school career, where he shared the ice with former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion, Brian Gionta.  

After the conclusion of his high school career, Bell attended Broome Community College, where he played hockey and lacrosse. Known for his team-first mentality, he was awarded the prestigious Higgenbottom Award for “dedicated and unselfish play”. Bell’s efforts at Broome earned him a spot on the Syracuse Hockey Team, along with his teammates, Aaron Nardozza and Shawn Pease.  

Bell brought that same relentless hustle and dedication to Syracuse, and was awarded the legendary #44 jersey for his senior season. His former teammates described him as, “a good, clean player who could control the play”, and his coaches described him as a “good player” and “maybe a little wacky”.  

Originally destined for a career in law enforcement, Bell pivoted to business marketing, partnering in a successful franchise before moving into the pharmaceutical world. He credits his parents John and Kathleen for love and discipline; his brothers and sisters for his toughness and hockey for the discipline and drive that made it all possible.  

“I owe everything to hockey,” Bell says. 

Back in Rochester, Steve is raising three kids; Lily, Stevie and Connor, while continuing to play in men’s league games at Lake Shore, the same rink where it all began. 

Carter Hansen, SU’ 2005- Forward #12

Carter Hansen was surrounded by hockey from a young age, growing up in Aspen, CO and playing alongside his two brothers. While competing for Aspen High School, he and his brother Reid formed one of the highest-scoring lines in the state, earning the nickname “The Hansen Brothers” from local media — a nod to the popular hockey film Slap Shot. 

After graduating from high school, Hansen chose to attend Syracuse University for its strong balance of academics and campus life, as well as the opportunity to continue playing hockey while pursuing a degree in International Relations.

At Syracuse, Hansen immediately made his mark, leading the team in goals and points in three of his four years. Teammates viewed him as a key player who brought energy and consistency to the ice. As a sophomore, Hansen joined the club’s leadership board and eventually earned the captaincy for the 2003–2004 season. During his final two seasons, his brother Reid joined him on the team, translating their strong connection from childhood hockey back onto the ice. He also represented Syracuse internationally, traveling to Europe to compete against collegiate and semi-pro teams from Russia, Estonia, and Finland.

Post-graduation, Hansen serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Step, a FinTech company based in Los Angeles, CA. His love for hockey continued as he played competitively in Los Angeles for the next 14 years.  He lives in CA with his wife, Vanessa, and is the proud father of three children — Peyton, Keaton, and Presley.

Richie Lee Carlston III, SU’ 2009-2010- Goalie #1

Ritchie Carlston’s time was limited with Syracuse Men’s Hockey, but the impact he has made on the program has been ongoing.

Carlston — born and raised in Fairport, NY — grew up playing for the Perinton Youth Hockey program, which led him to goaltend at Fairport High School. His standout performance earned him a spot on the Greater Rochester All-Star Team, where he was described as the “backbone of the team.” His former high school coach, Chris Moretter, remembered him as “someone who always had a smile on his face and was looking for harmless fun. Richie was someone who just loved life.”

From his first step on Tennity ice, it was prominent that he was going to be a rising star for the program. Coaches and teammates quickly recognized his work ethic, focus, and the energy he brought to every practice, saying that “[Carlston’s] one of the best goalies they have ever played with.”

Former teammate Mike McConney (2010–2011) recalled, “He was one of those people you had to meet in person — someone who made the team better just by being there.”

After Carlston’s passing in July 2010, between his freshman and sophomore years at SU, the team honored Carlston’s memory in everlasting ways. Carlston’s number 1 was retired and indefinitely hung up at Tennity Ice Pavilion — symbolizing the impact he left both on and off the ice. The Orange dedicated their 2010–2011 season to Carlston, going on to win both their League and Playoff Championships in his honor. Senior forward Mike Dillaine reflected, “Winning the first championship for Syracuse will be memorable, but winning the championship for Richie Carlston will be timeless.”

Carlston’s legacy continues with his name being added to the NECHL Memorial Cup and through the Richie Carlston Award, presented annually to the player who “best embodies what it means to be an SU player.” His legacy will forever be remembered and carried on for generations to come.

Peter-Owen “POH” Hayward, SU '20- Forward #17

Peter-Owen Hayward grew up in Brattleboro, VT, where he was a multi-sport athlete, including hockey and lacrosse. Hayward played youth hockey with the Brattleboro Hawks (VT), Springfield Pics (MA), and the Green Mountain Glades (VT). He was also selected to represent Vermont in the USA Hockey New England Festival and Player Development Camp from ages 11 through 16.

Hayward attended Northfield Mount Hermon for high school, where he earned three varsity letters. During this time, he also played split-season hockey with the Springfield Rifles, capturing a Massachusetts State Championship and appearing on the NHL Central Scouting “Players to Watch” list as a C-class prospect during his senior year.

Post high school graduation, Hayward joined the Boston Junior Bruins in Worcester, MA. Later that spring, he committed to Syracuse University.

Within his four seasons with Syracuse Men’s Ice Hockey, he set career records for points (198), goals (111), and assists (87). While studying Finance and Advertising, he was a three-year team captain and club officer, earning selection to the ACHA All-Academic Team while setting multiple program scoring records.

After graduating from SU, Hayward joined GE’s Financial Management Program, later moving up to GE Vernova, where he has continued to build a career in corporate finance. He lives in Boston, MA, married to fellow SU graduate Courtney Pulicella. His love for the game continues, lacing up his skates weekly to play with local SUMH alumni in a men’s league team.

2016-2017 NECHL League Champions and ACHA Tournament Participant

The 2016–2017 season marked one of the most successful in Syracuse University Men’s Hockey history, as they dominated the NECHL with back-to-back league championships and returned to the ACHA National Tournament for its third appearance in four years.

Led by Head Coach Nick Pierandri and Assistant Coaches Connor Treacy and Andrew Wolinski, the Orange finished the season with a 28–9 record, outscoring opponents 190–121 and earning a top-20 national ranking.

With leadership from Captain Matt DiVietro, the team built off veteran experience. “Tripp” Franzese (45 points) and Keith Lambert (41 points) anchored the offense, while goaltenders Zachary Shapiro (13–2, .898 SV%) and Michael Cuozzo (11–5, .878 SV%) provided stability in net. The team also mixed in strong rookies, including Peter-Owen Hayward, who led the team with 64 points (38 goals, 26 assists).

Although they fell short in the NECHL semifinals, Syracuse’s regular-season title secured their place at Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. The season’s accomplishments cemented the 2016–2017 team as one of the most hardworking and gritty teams in SUMH history.

Van Winkle Award: Nick Pierandri (Inducted 2023)- Head Coach 2013‐2018  

When Nick Pierandri arrived at Syracuse University in 2013, he came with a vision to build not just a winning team, but a program worthy of national recognition. Over the next five years, he did exactly that. 

During his tenure behind the bench, Pierandri guided Syracuse to a record of 103-43-4, three ACHA National Tournament appearances (2014, 2016, 2017), and four consecutive 20-win seasons. His teams captured three NECHL regular-season titles (2014, 2016, 2017) and the 2017 league playoff championship, cementing Syracuse’s reputation as a Top 20 Division I club. He was named NECHL Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2017. 

Pierandri reshaped Syracuse Men’s Hockey into a reputable organization, introducing structured operations in marketing, communications, broadcasting, alumni relations and empowering students to take ownership of the program’s growth. His addition of Assistant Coach Andrew Wolinski helped launch a rigorous recruiting effort across the Northeast, raising both the caliber and professionalism of the team. Players and alumni recall Pierandri as a demanding but inspiring leader who instilled accountability and pride.

“He wanted us to be successful, he set a high expectation,” remembered J.R. LaPointe (2012-2014). “He was very tenacious about building the program,” added Peter-Owen Hayward (2017-2020).

That drive paid off, 14 players earned All-League honors under his watch, with several continuing to play at the semi-pro level. 

Before coaching, Pierandri was a standout defenseman himself as an All-Prep School selection who went on to play for Boston College under legendary coach Jerry York. Competing in two Frozen Fours and earning a place on the Hockey East All-Academic Team.

He graduated with a B.A. in Economics before embarking on a career that blended finance with passion for hockey. 

Now Vice President of Technology at American First Equipment Finance, Pierandri continues

to draw from his two decades in capital markets and coaching. He still finds time for surfing, fishing, golf and family life in Fairport, N.Y., where he is raising their three children, Sam, Dorothy and Jameson.