Who would have thought we would have a double whiteout in the SUNYAC finals for the first time in history? The greatest rivalry between SUNY’s meets again this season, but this time in the final at the Deborah F. Stanley Arena.

Both teams have fought hard to get where they are now, but with very different stories. The women have been destroying and dominating, 12 games in a row without losing, a challenging sequence that the team has easily mastered and taken responsibility for. Ten games without conceding a goal this season, with Lexi Levy being essential in saving the team. An incredible 88 goals scored, very well distributed throughout the team, but the leader in scoring is Mack Hull with 11 and in assists 16 for Rachel Corbett. A record of 15 wins, one loss and two draws in the regionals.

What is interesting about all this is that this team, which looks like a wall and a steamroller, only lost to Plattsburgh and they want revenge. It is to use the fans to their advantage and win the championship for the first time in its second edition. But the most important thing has not yet been said, not only the players but everyone who loves hockey has a request for the fans: Pack The Deb! As Corbett said. Go to the game and support the women’s team too; they need the fans and promise not to disappoint.

On the other hand, the men’s journey was a bit more complicated. It was one of recovery and getting to know the team better after many roster changes last season. The Lakers did not finish the regular season in first place, but they managed to skip the first round of the playoffs in the end.

The season started off very negatively for the Lakers, losing and drawing games, but the first victory of this team was against the Cardinals. The season has had its ups and downs for a team that is still getting to know itself better. They have 15 wins, eight losses and three draws overall. 113 goals scored in the season, being the team with the most goals in SUNYAC and the best defense, conceding the fewest goals. The team’s top scorer, Brandon Cohen, was crucial in the last game, with 18 goals during the season. As for the team’s waiter, Ryan Burke had an incredible 27 assists, being the forward’s favorite player.

Speaking of the last game, it was against the Bengals in the semifinals, a team that the Lakers lost to twice in the regular season. But this time, it was different. The Lakers dominated and qualified with class. 

The game was very aggressive and Cohen ended up being taken out of the game after a clash with an opponent. In the locker room, we could see players with ice on their legs and physically exhausted after giving everything on the field.

Just like the women’s team, the men’s team also needs their fans and supporters for this important game. As Ed Gosek said, they love playing at home with their fans cheering them on. Everyone has to agree that whiteout nights are special and this one has everything to be one of the most special in the history of this school.

Photo by: Oswego Flickr