Division Championship Preview: Syracuse (#1) vs Springfield (#3)

Location: Messa Rink at Achilles Center, Schenectady, NY

Date/Time: February 22, 2025, 4:30PM

It’s the matchup everyone’s been waiting for – the College Hockey North Division Championship. The top-ranked Syracuse squad is ready to face off against #3 Springfield in what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle for the title. With both teams earning their spots after impressive performances in the semifinals, all eyes will be on this thrilling conclusion to the division season.

Syracuse Leaders:

• Leah Landry (Captain): 27 points in 14 games played

• Neve Padulo: 26 points in 13 games played

• Ivy Dietrich: 23 points in 14 games played

• Amanda Wheeler: 16 points in 15 games played

• Hannah O’Dowd: 15 points in 14 games played

• Julianna Bucci: 15 points in 15 games played

Syracuse boasts an offense that has been nearly unstoppable all season. Captain Leah Landry leads the charge with 27 points in just 14 games, while the dynamic Neve Padulo and Ivy Dietrich are consistently producing at an elite level. With players like Amanda Wheeler, Hannah O’Dowd, and Julianna Bucci adding even more depth, Syracuse has a roster full of offensive talent that can strike from anywhere on the ice.

Springfield Leaders:

• Bailey McDevitt: 14 points in 11 games played

• Mia Alfonso: 13 points in 10 games played

• Ashley Welch: 12 points in 10 games played

• Kaitlin Bardellini: 11 points in 11 games played

While Springfield has some standout players in Bailey McDevitt, Mia Alfonso, and Ashley Welch, their offensive depth doesn’t quite compare to that of Syracuse. Nonetheless, Springfield has proven they can be dangerous when they click, and they’ll need their top players to be at their best if they hope to challenge Syracuse.

Previous Meetings:

Syracuse has been dominant in both of their previous meetings with Springfield this season. On November 9th, they took down Springfield 6-1 in Springfield, and on February 2nd, they secured another win with a 4-2 victory at Tennity Ice Pavilion in Syracuse. With the Orange’s recent success against Springfield, they’ll look to continue their strong form in this highly anticipated championship game.

Goaltenders:

Springfield has a group of four goaltenders, with Kathryn Gilbert having played the majority of the season. Gilbert holds a 4.10 GAA, a .866 SV%, and a record of 3-4-0. She’ll be tasked with stopping the high-powered Syracuse offense in what promises to be a challenging matchup.

On the other hand, Syracuse boasts one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in the league. Emma Lacz has been outstanding with a 1.09 GAA and a .900 SV%, allowing just 8 goals all season. Harper Keenan has been equally impressive, posting a 1.29 GAA and a .926 SV%, stopping 121 shots and allowing just 9 goals. With such strong defense and goaltending, Syracuse enters this game with immense confidence.

Yesterday’s Results: 

To advance to this game, Syracuse (#1) defeated Binghamton (#4) with an 8-1 victory, while Springfield (#3) triumphed over Paul Smith (#2) to secure their place in the championship. The winner of this game will be crowned the 2025 champion of the AAU College Hockey North Women’s Division.

Looking Ahead:

No matter who emerges victorious in this championship battle, both teams are set to face off once again at the AAU National Championship tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, March 5-9. The Division Champion will be riding a wave of momentum heading into the biggest stage of the season!