Syracuse Defeated Stonehill in Idalski Debut
Syracuse opened their season with a dominant 3-0 victory against Stonehill at Tennity Ice Pavilion.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Hockey
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Syracuse secured a 3-0 shutout win over Stonehill in head coach Brian Idalski's first game leading the team. The victory was bolstered by an aggressive offensive performance that saw the team rack up 60 shots on goal.
Why it matters
The high-volume offensive strategy displayed in this opening game signals a shift in team tactics under new leadership. The win provides immediate momentum for the program as it looks to build on this performance throughout the season.
Syracuse recorded 60 shots on goal, the highest volume for the team since November 25, 2022. Goaltender Ava Drabyk secured the win with 17 saves, marking her sixth career shutout.
The players
Brian Idalski
He is the newly appointed head coach for the Syracuse ice hockey program who earned his first win with the team in this game.
Ava Drabyk
She is the Syracuse goaltender who successfully defended the net with 17 saves to secure a shutout.
Emma Gnade
She is a Syracuse player who opened the game's scoring to help lead the team to victory.
Jessica Cheung
She is a Syracuse forward who netted the second goal of the match.
Jordan Blouin
She is a Syracuse player who rounded out the team's scoring efforts with the third goal.
The details
Syracuse maintained consistent offensive zone pressure throughout all three periods to force turnovers and generate chances. Emma Gnade, Jessica Cheung, and Jordan Blouin provided the scoring for the shutout victory.
Timeline
The game took place on September 25, 2026.
The team previously recorded 64 shots on goal on November 25, 2022.
Season Trajectory
This performance marks a significant shift in aggressive offensive strategy as the team establishes its new identity. By demonstrating an ability to dominate possession, the team positions itself as a high-volume threat within the early-season conference standings.
The 60-shot performance confirms a high-volume shooting system that may translate into increased fantasy production for top-line players. Defensively, the team limited Stonehill to only 17 shots, suggesting a strong puck-possession approach that reduces goaltender fatigue.
The takeaway
An aggressive, high-volume shooting strategy can effectively overwhelm opponents and secure shutouts early in the season. Teams that prioritize maintaining pressure in the offensive zone are often more successful at controlling game outcomes.
Further reading
For more information on team performance and upcoming matchups, check out the Hockey section.
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