Not even 18 months ago, the Syracuse Orange women’s hockey program was assembled in a fashion collegiately equivalent to an orthodox NHL expansion club as they geared up for entry into the Division-I College Hockey America conference.
And now, having packed in a fairly conventional growing-pain gelling campaign (9-16-3 record, two of those wins against Division-III Saint Anselm), Paul Flanagan’s foundation has perked up many minds to commence Year II.
Coming into today’s visit to Schneider Arena (4:00 p.m. face-off), the 0-4-1 Orange have indubitably gorged on moral victory, having held almighty Minnesota to two 4-1 decisions, deleted a 3-0 deficit to tie Boston College, nearly beaten New Hampshire in the infamous Lake Whittemore, and absorbed a 3-2 nick at the hands of Connecticut just last night.
When asked if he was surprised, PC head coach Bob Deraney let out a convinced “No” with twice the speed of a Zdeno Chara slapper.
“The great thing about women’s ice hockey is the transfer rule. We don’t have one,” he said. “So kids that might be not happy in a place where they are right now, no matter where you come from, if you’re a junior or senior, you’re older and you’ve got a lot of experience. So now they can go to a program like Syracuse, get a lot of playing time, and be a valuable asset to them and allow them to be a contender right away.
“That’s what’s so wonderful about our sport. You can get good really quick for all the right reasons, and Syracuse is a good example of that.”
Deraney, who arrived here in 1999 while Flanagan was just settling into his old office at St. Lawrence, will end only a one-year hiatus in business engagements with the Syracuse skipper. While with the Saints, with whom he stayed for nine years, Flanagan went 5-3-2 versus the Friars.
“He’s a very good coach. Paul’s a good man and he’s a terrific peer in every sense of the word. That program’s in real good hands with him and it’s exciting to see him come back with a different team. I know those guys will be prepared and we’ll have our hands full again.”
Cottrell curbed
Colgate managed to snap Ashley Cottrell’s season-long goal-scoring streak last night, though they could not bar her from assisting on Nicole Anderson’s goal late in the second period, extending the sophomore center’s hot streak to a 4-2-6 transcript in the first five games on the year. Additionally, Cottrell had one of her better nights at the dot, winning 18 out of 26 draws, including the quickee that set up Anderson’s stimulating strike.
Colgate managed to snap Ashley Cottrell’s season-long goal-scoring streak last night, though they could not bar her from assisting on Nicole Anderson’s goal late in the second period, extending the sophomore center’s hot streak to a 4-2-6 transcript in the first five games on the year. Additionally, Cottrell had one of her better nights at the dot, winning 18 out of 26 draws, including the quickee that set up Anderson’s stimulating strike.
Rookies raid Colgate
Anderson became the third Friar frosh in as many seasons to pick up her first NCAA goal at the Red Raiders’ expense. Last season, Cottrell slammed home her first for the game-winner in a 6-2 triumph at Schneider Arena. The year prior, Alyse Ruff pitched in as part of a 5-5 tie over in Hamilton, N.Y.
Anderson became the third Friar frosh in as many seasons to pick up her first NCAA goal at the Red Raiders’ expense. Last season, Cottrell slammed home her first for the game-winner in a 6-2 triumph at Schneider Arena. The year prior, Alyse Ruff pitched in as part of a 5-5 tie over in Hamilton, N.Y.
Both Ruff and senior captain Colleen Martin prolonged their prolific tendencies when engaging Colgate. Martin assisted on Abby Gauthier’s goal at 4:30 of the second period, giving her four helpers in as many meetings. Meanwhile, Ruff collected a goal-assist value pack for a career log of 3-2-5 in three encounters.
Quick feeds: Freshman Jess Cohen was credited with her second game-winning goal in her young career…Last night was senior forward Pam McDevitt’s 100th career game…Second-line winger Arianna Rigano again led all Friars in shots on goal with five last night…Nine individual Friars added a point to their plus/minus rating…This afternoon’s projected Syracuse starter, Lucy Schoedel, previously faced the Friars as a New Hampshire freshman on January 28, 2007, repelling 16 shots en route to a 2-2 draw.
Al Daniel can be reached at hockeyscribe@hotmail.com
This article originally appeared in the Friartown Free Press
