Syracuse Women's Hockey Club: An Unstoppable Force in Their First AAU Season

Syracuse University Women's Club Hockey team made a strong statement in their inaugural season in the AAU Women's College Hockey North Division. After joining the league in August, the team finished with an impressive 13-0-0 record, claiming the top spot in their division with 28 points. This undefeated season marks a monumental achievement for the team, who displayed dominance in both offense and defense throughout the year.

A Stellar First Season

From the first puck drop, Syracuse wasted no time proving their worth in the highly competitive league. The team ended the regular season with a perfect record, scoring a total of 87 goals while only conceding 16. Their goal differential of +71 speaks to their impressive offensive power and stout defensive play, allowing them to control nearly every game they played.

The only blemish on an otherwise flawless record came in an overtime victory against Union College, but even that was a testament to their ability to fight until the final whistle. Syracuse’s resilience and commitment to excellence paid off as they became the team to beat in the Women’s College Hockey North Division of the AAU.

Leadership and Key Performances

Under the leadership of junior Leah Landry, who served as captain in her first season wearing the "C," the team thrived. Landry led by example, finishing the regular season with 14 goals, 10 assists, and 24 points in just 13 games. Her ability to elevate her game in critical moments set the tone for her teammates throughout the season.

Other key players included:

Freshman Neve Padulo: A breakout star, Padulo notched 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 12 games, showing her potential to be a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
Sophomore Ivy Dietrich: With 13 goals and 8 assists for 21 points in 13 games, Dietrich was another offensive force who regularly found the back of the net.
Senior Amanda Wheeler: One of the team’s leaders on and off the ice, Wheeler recorded 10 goals and 5 assists for 15 points in 14 games.
Sophomore Hannah O'Dowd: With 11 goals and 4 assists for 15 points, O'Dowd added depth to the team's offensive line.
Freshman Julianna Bucci: Bucci showed incredible vision, contributing 12 assists for 14 points in 14 games.

Unstoppable Goaltending

Syracuse’s goaltending was a key factor in the team’s undefeated run. Goaltenders Emma Lacz (#0) and Harper Keenan (#1) were instrumental in maintaining the team’s dominant performance.

Emma Lacz played in 8 games, posting a 1.11 GAA and a .912 save percentage, allowing just 7 goals on 80 saves.
Harper Keenan, in 9 games, with a 1.29 GAA and a .926 save percentage, making 121 saves and allowing just 9 goals.

Together, the duo ensured that Syracuse remained nearly unbeatable all season long, providing the backbone for a team that was as potent offensively as they were defensively.

Game Highlights

Throughout the season, Syracuse displayed their dominance on the ice with impressive wins over some tough competition:

Syracuse 4-0 Binghamton University
Syracuse 7-1 Paul Smith College
Syracuse 9-1 Colgate University
Syracuse 9-0 SUNY Oswego
Syracuse 8-2 Paul Smith College
Syracuse 6-1 Springfield College
Syracuse 4-2 Colgate University
Syracuse 4-2 Norwich University
Syracuse 4-1 Norwich University
Syracuse 7-0 Clarkson University
Syracuse 4-2 Springfield College
Syracuse 13-0 Cornell University (Women in Sports Game)
Syracuse 4-0 Clarkson University
Syracuse 3-2 (OT) Union College
Syracuse 5-2 Syracuse Blades (Senior Day)

One of the most exciting moments of the season came when the team defeated Cornell University 13-0 in the Women in Sports Game event—a statement victory that solidified Syracuse’s position as a dominant force in the league.

A Bright Future Ahead

With a first season full of accomplishments, the future is looking incredibly bright for Syracuse Women’s Club Hockey. Under the leadership of Head Coach Christina Beam, now in her second season, the team has shown growth and an ability to perform under pressure. Coach Beam’s guidance has been key in helping the team find their identity and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

Looking ahead, Syracuse will face some tough challenges as they head to Union College in Schenectady, New York, this upcoming weekend. They will take on Binghamton University on Friday and face another team from the league on Saturday as they battle for a spot in the AAU National Championship Tournament, set to take place in Jacksonville, Florida, from March 6-9.

Syracuse’s incredible journey in their first season in the AAU has only just begun, and with their unmatched determination and exceptional talent, they are poised to continue making waves in the world of women’s college hockey.