Penalties Haunt Syracuse Ice Hockey in Loss to Mercyhurst

By Ben Chadwick | @BChad214

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Women’s Ice Hockey (7-15) spent a lot of time in the box during its 2-1 loss to Mercyhurst (10-11-1). Orange skaters spent a total of 12 minutes off the ice due to penalties. In fact, over 20 of the 60 minutes played tonight were some form of matchup that wasn’t the natural 5-on-5.

Lakers’ forward Chantal Ste-Croix notched a redirection goal just five minutes into the game. By then, SU should’ve known what was coming. Despite leading the game in shots on goal, total shots, and faceoff wins, ‘Cuse is just 1-10 in games this season when its opponent scores first. Well, make that 1-11.

Mercyhurst notched another goal late in the second on a power play and it seemed as though it would be the final nail in the coffin for a while. That was until Syracuse sophomore Nea Tervonen energized the team with a 4 on 4 goal with 8 minutes left in the third.

Penalties were traded back and forth after that, including SU forward Bryn Saarela’s third call against her of the night with just three minutes left. But even though a tripping call went against Mercyhurst with just over a minute, ‘Cuse couldn’t capitalize in a 6 on 4 situation.

Syracuse is now winless in its last 11 contests against Mercyhurst. Game two between the Orange and the Lakers gets going in the Tennity Ice Pavillion tomorrow at 3 p.m.