Syracuse Men’s Hockey Falls to Pittsburgh in Two-Game Series

By Sophia Volz

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Men’s Hockey team (10-17-4) concluded its final home series of the season with a two-game set against ACCHL North competitor University of Pittsburgh (15-12-4). The Orange dropped both contests, falling 4-1 on Friday before a 3-2 loss in Saturday’s Senior Day finale.

Photo Credit: Maria Kaffes / @mariakaffesimages

The Orange and the Panthers battled through a scoreless first frame on Friday night. Syracuse controlled the offensive zone to open the period, setting the tone with an aggressive and physical pace on both sides of the puck.

Senior goaltender AJ Finta stood tall between the pipes, turning aside multiple high-quality chances for the Panthers. On the offensive side, senior forward Jack Wren generated strong scoring chances for the Orange, but was unable to find the back of the net.

The Orange killed a mid-period power play and finished the opening frame strong with a late shot that stopped just short of the goal line, leaving the teams scoreless after twenty minutes. 

Entering the second frame, Syracuse junior defenseman Carter Rugg was called for slashing just a minute into gameplay. Pittsburgh was able to capitalize on the powerplay, scoring the game’s first goal to take the 1-0 lead.

The Orange and Panthers traded strong chances in their respective offensive zones, with freshman defenseman Jack Duffy nearly netting Syracuse’s first goal after a powerful initial shot and follow-up rebound attempts.

Senior captain defenseman Connor Chesner and junior defenseman Jake Brown anchored the Orange’s defense in the second frame, breaking up potential breakaway opportunities and keeping the Panthers from extending their lead.

The second period remained physical. Late penalties gave Pittsburgh a man advantage, but Syracuse held strong, ending the period down by just one goal.

The Panthers opened the final period on a 4-on-3, but Syracuse killed both early power plays. A subsequent too many men penalty gave the Orange their own man advantage.

Syracuse pressured the net, but Chesner was stopped by Pittsburgh’s goalie and Caddo missed high from the slot. Five minutes in, a Panthers tripping penalty gave Syracuse a power play, and Cam Gaffney buried the puck to tie it at 1-1.

However, Pittsburgh had the answer, finding the back of the net under a minute later to reclaim the lead.

Syracuse continued its push for the next equalizer, led by a strong breakaway chance from Gaffney and a net-front opportunity from sophomore forward Eli Pendergrass.

Pittsburgh was called again for two-many men with under twelve minutes to play in regulation time, however the Panthers were able to successfully kill off the penalty. 

Syracuse pressed late, but were unable to find the back of the net. With under two minutes remaining, the Orange pulled netminder Finta for the extra attacker. Yet, Pittsburgh quickly gained possession and extended their lead with an empty-net goal with just over a minute to play. 

Syracuse made one final push, but the Panthers added another empty-netter to seal a 4-1 victory in the first game of the series. 

Saturday’s matchup marked Senior Day, as eight players took the ice at Tennity for the final time in their collegiate careers. This game carried added significance for captain Chesner, who celebrated his 125th career game during Saturday’s match, surpassing the record previously held by current player Sean Caddo’s older brother, Luke Caddo. 

“The Caddo family is really close to me and have supported me since Sean and I were both freshmen here. Having the opportunity to beat Luke’s record while he is in attendance makes the moment even more special. The Caddos have done a lot for this program, and it means a lot to be connected to that record,” said Chesner.

Syracuse got off to a fast start, with Gaffney opening the scoring just 48 seconds into the game with an assist from Wren, giving the Orange the early 1-0 lead. 

After the goal, Syracuse struggled to clear the puck, but Finta made key saves, and the Orange controlled the early play before Pittsburgh pushed back.

Gaffney kept up the pressure, skating his way around four Panthers players, but missed the net wide. The Orange continued generating scoring chances across all lines, but were unable to extend their lead. 

Late in the period, Pittsburgh mounted a dangerous 4-on-2 rush, but the shot went wide. Syracuse went on the power play with three minutes remaining, creating multiple chances from junior forward Carter Rugg and freshman forward Ben Brant, but were unable to extend their lead, taking a 1-0 advantage into the first intermission.

The Panthers opened the second period with intensity, tying the game at 1-1 just 34 seconds in. 

Both teams continued to play physical hockey, each trading their fair share of penalties. Syracuse generated chances to regain the lead, including a near 4-on-4 goal from Wren to Gaffney and a rebound opportunity for junior Brendan Duffy, but the Orange were unable to convert.

Pittsburgh dominated late in the second, but Finta’s key saves kept the game tied heading into the third.

The third frame saw early chances from both teams before Pittsburgh scored five minutes in to take a 2-1 lead.

With under twelve minutes to play, Syracuse defenseman Ryan Thomas converted on the power play following a failed clear attempt by the Panthers to tie the game 2-2.

Both Syracuse and Pittsburgh continued to generate opportunities, vying for the goal to take the lead. With three minutes left to play in the game, the Panthers found the back of the net and took the one goal lead back. 

With just under a minute remaining, Syracuse pulled Finta to bring out the extra attacker. Rugg had an immediate chance off the ensuing faceoff, but the Pittsburgh goalie made the save. The Panthers iced the puck twice in the final seconds to secure the 3-2 win over the Orange.

“Senior weekend was a very bittersweet moment, my emotions were all over the place. I remember being a freshman and hearing the seniors say these four years would fly by. Those were my last games at Tennity, and I was grateful to compete with this group of guys,” remarked Chesner.

Syracuse heads into its final regular season series next weekend against Niagara University in Lewiston, New York. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 21.

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.