Orange in Ottawa for a Pair of Exhibition Contests
11/28/2008 4:19:18 PM | Ice Hockey
Game Notes | Watch Live (UOttawa game) | Live Stats (UOttawa Game)
The Syracuse women's ice hockey team goes back to work this weekend for a pair of exhibition games over Thanksgiving weekend. The Orange will combat Carleton University on Saturday, November 29 at 7 pm at the Ice House followed by Syracuse's first Sunday affair against the University of Ottawa at the U of O Complex on Sunday, November 30 at 2 pm.
Although Saturday and Sunday's exhibition matches do not count towards Syracuse's overall record, it will be the first time in program history the Orange ice hockey team will cross international boundaries for competition.
Center Ice
After three straight victories, the Orange hit a bit of a snag in its last four outings. Syracuse has lost its last four games, all in conference play, by a combined score of 21-7. Syracuse made its first trip to the Motor City this past weekend and faced a strong, senior-laden team. In the first game at the City Sports Center, the Orange made a valiant attempt a comeback, scoring two late goals a minute apart in the third period. This Thanksgiving weekend, the Orange will play its first international games in Ottawa, Ontario against Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. Both matches are exhibition and do not count towards Syracuse’s overall record.
Freshman Sensation, Megan Skelly
Freshman Megan Skelly notched her fifth assist of the season on linemate Stefanie Marty's goal against Wayne State on Friday night to take over sole possession of the Orange team-points lead with 11. The Taber, Alberta native tied SU's longest pointstreak with five games, but had her stretch of tallies snapped on Saturday night. The first-year winger currently sits amongst all freshmen in the CHA in points. Her 0.83 points per game is the best in the league of all first-year skaters through the seventh week of competition.
Power Play Plusses
The Syracuse powerplay unit was in full force in Detroit last weekend. The Orange took advantage of its extra-man opportunities in both contests against Wayne State. On Friday night, Syracuse busted the back of the net twice in powerplay opportunities. Freshman Kylie Klassen netted her second goal of the season in powerplay fashion while co-captain Stefanie Marty knocked in her fourth goal of the season. Marty's marker was her first powerplay goal for Syracuse. On Saturday, defenseman Kelly Dimmen beat Wayne State netminder Delayne Brian during the powerplay for her first career goal with Syracuse.
'Cuse Originals
Once again, the Orange was able to maintain a steady flow of player and program firsts against Wayne State. Two student-athletes scored their first goals this weekend. Sophomore Keeta Koalska and freshman Kelly Dimmen scored goals on Friday and Saturday night, respectively. Freshman Kylie Klassen and sophomore Stefanie Marty each notched their first powerplay goals for the Orange. Sophomore Rebecca Gordon set up two scoring plays over the weekend, securing her first two-point streak of the season. Freshman Jessica Frump attained her first career assist for Syracuse.
Schoedel Lands on a Milestone
Junior Lucy Schoedel made 51 total saves this past weekend. On Friday night, the Ithaca, N.Y. product made 16 saves in two periods of action and on Saturday, Schoedel stopped 35 pucks. Schoedel, who has started in every game for Syracuse, upped her career total to 350 total saves. The junior goaltender has logged 698:32 minutes of play, allowing 3.61 goals per game and saving 89.3% of the shots she's faced.
Jones Makes a Stand
Freshman goaltender Steph Jones earned time in her third game Friday night. Jones stood in net for the third period and made five saves without surrendering a shot. It marked the first time Jones did not allow a goal in a full period of play.
