By: Chloe Martinez and Jack DiNapoli
SYRACUSE, NY – Syracuse closed out November with a series split against Stony Brook University this past weekend. The Orange entered the ESCHL matchup on a three-game losing streak following a series sweep in Pittsburgh. That skid extended on Friday night with a 6-2 loss despite Syracuse outshooting the Seawolves 40-29. However, SU bounced back on Saturday, snapping its four-game losing streak with a big 4-2 conference victory.
Syracuse faced additional adversity, once again playing without captain Sam Hutchinson and forward Jack Alecia, who rank in the top five on the team in scoring. Their absences forced the Orange to rely on others to step up to try and avoid a second consecutive series sweep by Stony Brook.
"It's a big loss, but we have depth to fill in, and it gives guys an opportunity to step up," Head Coach Timmons said. "I don't think it's necessarily only one individual, but multiple players who have stepped up and been a voice for our group."
The Seawolves struck early on Friday, with defenseman Kyle Nestepny scoring just two minutes into the game. Stony Brook maintained its momentum through the contest's first period and a half, building a 4-1 lead. Syracuse managed to respond late in the second period when Dylan Goldfarb found the back of the net for the first goal of his collegiate career, cutting the deficit to 4-2.
Heading into the final period, Syracuse appeared determined to mount a comeback, but it wouldn’t be enough. Stony Brook added two more goals within the first six minutes of the third period to secure the 6-2 win.
After a tough defeat Friday night, the Orange roared back with revenge Saturday afternoon. This game would count toward the ESCHL standings, so competitive play would be crucial to earn two points.
When Syracuse hit the ice, there seemed to be a notable difference in the team's energy. Stony Brook took the first penalty of the game, which gave the Orange an early advantage. Forward Kade Cook tipped home a Ryan Thomas shot from the point to capitalize on the power play opportunity just 1:54 into the game. Just a few minutes following the goal, Syracuse killed off a five minute major after Brendan Duffy was sent to the box for head contact. The early goal and strong penalty killing gave the Orange momentum for the rest of the afternoon.
As the second period unfolded, another early goal from defenseman Conner Chesner helped the Orange build their lead. Chesner redirected a Jack Wren pass in front to give the Orange a 2-0 advantage. Syracuse made it 3-0 halfway through the middle frame on a Thomas power play goal, his 7th tally of the season.
“We set the standard,” Thomas said, “and now know we can play a full 60 minutes and really wear other teams down so we have to bring that every game.”
The Orange ended the second period up 3-0.
The Seawolves got on the board with a power play goal of their own nine minutes into the third period. Forward William Kormanik scored his eighth goal of the season with Evan Vassilovski off for tripping. The Seawolves didn’t stop there, finding the back of the net again just three minutes later cutting the Orange lead to 3-2. Brendan Duffy gave Syracuse some breathing room and helped secure the win with an insurance tally with just over a minute left in the game. Duffy’s fifth of the season already surpasses his goal total from the 2023-24 season.
“When we dial it in and take care of our roles, we get the job done.” Timmons said, “It was night and day for us between the two games. Our second game is the way we need to play going forward.”
The game marked Syracuse’s first win against Stony Brook since November 2019. The Orange were 0-12-0 in that span.
After the break, Syracuse will be on the road one more time to close out 2024 against the University of Rhode Island.
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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