Last Time Out

The Oswego State Lakers women’s ice hockey team lost the second matchup of a back-to-back series against the Buffalo State Bengals on Nov. 12. With senior Justine Silva out of the lineup for the Bengals, head coach Diane Dillon expected to pepper more shots on goal and come away with the win. That was not the case, however, as the Bengals overcame the Lakers 2-1. Andrea Noss, in only her second game back, had the lone goal for the Lakers.

The Plattsburgh State Cardinals last went against the Toronto Junior Aeros in an exhibition game on Nov. 11. They won the matchup 3-0. However, in a regular season matchup, the Cardinals lost to then-No.2/2 Norwich University on Nov. 8 by a score of 4-3. At the time, Plattsburgh State was ranked No. 1/1.

Lakers vs. Plattsburgh State History

The Lakers and Cardinals have been conference rivals since the revitalization of the women’s hockey program since 2006-2007. As members of the ECAC West, the two teams have met at least twice per season since that first year. The Lakers are 1-25-0 against the Cardinals. The lone win came from last season in a 3-2 win in Plattsburgh. The Cardinals were ranked No. 1/1 at that time.

The loss against the Lakers was the only loss in the entire season for Plattsburgh State, as they eventually won the NCAA Div. III National Tournament. This will be the first of four regular-season games between the two teams.

Last season, besides from the win against Plattsburgh State, the Lakers lost 7-1 the day before the upset victory.

Looking at Plattsburgh State

Plattsburgh State will be looking to gain back some momentum after the loss to Norwich University. Even though there was the 3-0 victory between Norwich University and Oswego State, the in-between game was merely an exhibition. The Cardinals are 3-1-0 overall, with a 2-0-0 NEWHL record. Their two conference wins came over SUNY Cortland on Nov. 3 and 4.

The team also returns their top two scorers from last season, who are now both seniors. Melissa Sheeran and Kayla Meneghin both return. The forwards had 47 and 46 points, respectively. Sheeran leads the team with 15 points on the current season, with Meneghin is in second with 13. The team lost their starting goaltender last year, Camille Leonard. Junior Kassi Abbott has started three games this season, and will most likely take the nod against the Lakers as well.

Legendary head coach Kevin Houle, who has an overall record of 347-45-23 (an 83.6 win percentage), is returning for his 15th season as head coach for the Cardinals. He is at the helm of the now-No. 2/2 Cardinals.

Player Spotlight

OSW: Andrea Noss

Despite being out for three games in the beginning of the season, Noss made her presence known in her first two games back against Buffalo State. She scored the lone goal against Buffalo State in the 2-1 loss on Nov. 12. However, where she has shined is the faceoff circle. She has won 27 of her 35 faceoffs in just two games. Dillon called Noss “a gamer” and a “strong hockey player,” and considered her very critical to the team.

PLA: Melissa Sheeran

Sheeran has been in the top three for Plattsburgh State’s leading scorers since her freshman year. She’s had at least 35 points each season, with her sophomore year peaking at a team-leading 55 points. With 82 career goals so far, Sheeran is third all-time for the program, only five goals behind second place. She’s tied for third on all-time points, as well. Sheeran, who is the captain this season, is definitely a player to watch, both as a fan and as an opponent.

By the Numbers

RECORD [conference] (vs. each other)

OSW: 3-2-0 [1-1-0] (1-25-0)

*PLA: 3-1-0 [2-0-0] (25-1-0)

SHOTS (per game)

OSW: 168 (33.6)

*PLA: 162 (40.5)

GOALS (per game)

OSW: 13 (2.6)

*PLA: 22 (5.5)

POWER PLAY (%)

OSW: 5-26 (19.2%)

*PLA: 8-22 (36.4%)

*stats do not include the mid-season exhibition game against the Toronto Junior Aeros

Prediction

History does not serve well for the Lakers. At times, Oswego State has lost to Plattsburgh State by dominating scores, one time losing 9-0. It is easy to say the Cardinals are a top program, being ranked No. 2 by both US College Hockey Online and D3Hockey.

The Lakers will be traveling to Plattsburgh, giving the Cardinals a slight upper-hand with the home-ice advantage. Between top scorers with Sheeran and Meneghin, and the 40.5 shots per game, senior Mariah Madrigal will be facing one of her toughest challenges yet. The game will be comparable to Elmira College, for the goaltender. The Cardinals have also only allowed five goals all season (not including the exhibition), presenting a challenge for the low-scoring Lakers.

However, with new players such as Jean-Marie Padden, and breakout players, such as Kate Randazzo, the Lakers might have a closer shot than past years.

It is going to be an uphill battle for the Lakers, hoping to beat the Cardinals for only the second time in recorded history.

Cardinals win 5-2.