Syracuse Ice Hockey sweeps Robert Morris on the road.
Caitlin McDonough | @CaitlinMcDono
Game 1:
MOON TOWNSHIP, PA – A lively three goal opening period from Syracuse ice hockey (10-11-3, 6-6-2 Atlantic Hockey America) was enough to get the job done in its 3-0 win over Robert Morris University (10-12-2, 6-6-2 Atlantic Hockey America). The Orange got their first victory over the Colonials this season after a one goal and shootout losses at the beginning of December.
SU came out firing with an early power play opportunity just 43 seconds into the first period, where it managed four shots. Four minutes later the ‘Cuse would break the deadlock through a first collegiate goal from Makenna Williment. The freshman fired a one timer at the right face-off circle after the puck fell to her off a shot from Sami Gendron.
The Orange doubled their lead four minutes later when Charlotte Hallett poked in a rebound near the right post. The defenseman was the first to react with a backhand finish as Heidi Knoll’s shot was steered right in front of the net. Hallett scored her sixth goal of the season and jumped up to second on the team in goals scored, two behind Emma Gnade.
The period was just getting started for the ‘Cuse. Just like the first two goals, the third one was scored also four minutes after Hallett’s finish. RMU’s Hannah Thornton went to the box for a two minute minor for slashing and SU would cash in. Gnade fired off a shot on the right face-off circle that was tipped home by Peyton Armstrong. Armstrong’s tally puts her at two power play goals, which is tied for the most on the team.
Syracuse’s three first period goals are the most since it scored five against Post in November of 2022. It was a back and forth battle in the second and third periods. RMU did manage to win the face-off battle, 32-21 but couldn’t make use of its opportunities. The Orange penalty kill went 2-2 while Ava Drabyk stopped 19 shots for her second consecutive shutout.
Game 2:
MOON TOWNSHIP, PA – Another straightforward series for Syracuse ice hockey (11-11-3, 7-6-2 Atlantic Hockey America) as it swept Robert Morris University (10-13-2, 6-7-2 Atlantic Hockey America) in a 2-0 win. The Orange sweep the Colonials and avenge their two losses to them to start December.
It was an even contest in the first period as RMU got in some good positions early on. The Colonials had three chances on the power play in the opening frame, but SU’s defense was able to kill them all. The ‘Cuse also had a chance on the power play itself, yet couldn’t capitalize.
Just over halfway through the second period, Syracuse was able to break the deadlock. Captain Nea Tervonen won an offensive zone face-off where the puck fell to Rachel Walsh near the blue line. The freshman fired and found the back of the net for her second goal of the season.
Things were still close entering the third period as RMU came out of the break strong. The Colonials took the first five shots to start the final frame. With four minutes left RMU pulled goaltender Maggie Hatch in search of the equalizer, but with thirty seconds left Jackson Kinsler put the cherry on top. Kinsler pounced on a loose puck for an empty net finish.
The Orange improve to 4-0 to start 2026 and have outscored opponents 12-1. Ava Drabyk was solid in net again and earned her third consecutive shutout.
Syracuse continues AHA play when it welcomes Penn State (19-4, 13-1-0 Atlantic Hockey America) on Friday to begin a two-game series. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. EST from Tennity Ice Pavilion in Syracuse, N.Y. For coverage of the Orange’s next series and the rest of SU’s 2025-26 season, follow @CaitlinMcDono and @CitrusTVSports on X/Twitter!
