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

By Harry Robbins and Natalie Symonowicz

Photo Credit: Ian Rempe / @ir_images

WEST CHESTER, PA - The Syracuse Men’s Hockey team hit the road for the first time this season, opening a two-game series against the West Chester Golden Rams. The Orange entered the weekend looking to build off their home start, but a physical, penalty-heavy series slowed their momentum. On Friday, Syracuse couldn’t find its rhythm and fell 6-1, before dropping Saturday’s matchup 7-4.

The first period of Friday's matchup was a battle of special teams, with both squads combining for five penalties. The Golden Rams struck first, as forward Zach Crain scored on the power play. Within 30 seconds, the Rams found the back of the net again after a tip by Tyler Carter, giving West Chester a 2-0 lead.

The Orange responded with a power-play goal from Kade Cook, finding the puck in front of Joe Cartigiano to cut the deficit in half, ending the first 2-1.

At the start of the second period, West Chester extended their lead to 4-1 with a goal from the point and a shorthanded tally. Despite the two-goal deficit, Syracuse responded with consistent pressure, leading the period in shots on goal and creating several scoring opportunities.

West Chester sealed the win in the third period with goals from Aidan Gaffney and Zach Crain, securing a 6-1 win.

Entering the second game of the series, the Orange proved a competitive contest, coming out with a sharp execution. 

In the first, Syracuse started strong with Freshman Ben Brant tapping in his first collegiate goal within four minutes of the contest. The Golden Rams’ Anthony Sparo responded immediately, tying the game 1-1. Shortly after, Crain put one past freshman Cash Lawrence, gaining the lead for the Golden Rams. Syracuse forward Kade Cook capitalized on a man advantage, tying the game and recording his second goal of the weekend. 

Less than a minute later, Senior Henry Pendleton scored right off the faceoff, marking his first as an Orange and reclaiming the lead 3-2. Pendleton, who transferred to SU before his sophomore season, has only played 5 career games for Syracuse. The Maryland native was forced to take the last season and a half off after battling concussion issues since November of 2023. West Chester eventually responded with a pair of quick goals before the period ended and the Rams held a 4-3 advantage after the first.

A 10-minute penalty to Kade Cook left Syracuse short on the bench and gave West Chester a 4-on-3 advantage. The Golden Rams took advantage of the situation, scoring three more goals—including a 5-on-3 power play—that pushed them to a 7-3 lead.

Despite the penalty trouble, freshman defenseman Robbie Murphy netted another collegiate first, bringing the score to 7-4 before intermission.

Syracuse had a better defensive showing in the third period, but were unable to mount a

comeback. With under three minutes remaining, the Orange pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker. Despite their push, Syracuse was unable to capitalize, and the game ended in a 7-4 loss.

Syracuse will play a home-and-home series next weekend, traveling to Dwyer Arena to face #8 Niagara University on Friday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m., before returning home to the Tennity Ice Pavilion on Saturday, October 4, for a 2:00 p.m. matchup.

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.