Stay updated with the latest news from Syracuse by subscribing to our sports newsletter.
Syracuse Women’s Hockey Club Hosts Inaugural Women in Sports Night
The Syracuse Women’s Hockey Club recently launched its first-ever Women in Sports Night to promote awareness of women’s sports at Syracuse University.
The event, organized by player and team Social Media Chair Eden Price, took place on Saturday at the Tennity Ice Pavilion, where the Syracuse team triumphed over Cornell with an impressive score of 13-0. The evening featured a ceremonial puck drop, exciting raffles, and a fun game of chuck-a-puck.
“It’s an important night that we’ve all been eagerly anticipating,” said Leah Landry, the team captain. “It’s wonderful to create this kind of opportunity for our community and our school.”
With a desire to celebrate women in sports, Price aimed to host a themed night since October. Initially, she wanted to raise awareness for breast cancer, but timing issues led her to focus on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which is celebrated on February 5.
“This is exactly what our team represents, and it was vital for me to bring this event to life,” Price expressed.
Leading up to the game, there was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among the team members as they prepared to highlight their skills and the significance of women’s sports.
“I’m really looking forward to this!” shared Kathryn West before the game. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work to promote it, and I’m confident it will turn out great.”
Syracuse Women’s Hockey Club celebrated its inaugural Women in Sports Night this past Saturday. Photo courtesy of Maria Kaffes.
To kick off the evening, two Syracuse coaches, Gabriella Matautia (assistant volleyball coach) and Emma Russell (assistant field hockey coach), participated in a ceremonial puck drop as they stepped onto the ice for the game’s first drop.
The significance of celebrating women resonated deeply with both players and coaches, emphasizing the potential impact of the event on attendees.
“We hope that showcasing the importance of women’s sports inspires attendees to pursue their passions and continue playing,” Price noted.
Head coach Christina Beam reiterated this message, explaining that events like Women in Sports Night can demonstrate to young women that they can pursue both education and athletics. She emphasized that many women discontinue their hockey careers after high school, and it’s crucial for them to see that a future in sports remains possible.
“I want young athletes and spectators to recognize that there is so much more for them; they don’t have to hang up their skates,” Beam stated.
Additionally, the players paid tribute to female athletes who inspired them by displaying their names on signs at the rink’s bench area. The names included icons like Caitlin Clark, Ilona Maher, and Alex Morgan.
“This event feels empowering,” commented SU student and game attendee Cate Galante. “The entire experience highlights an essential cause.”
In addition to a successful event, Syracuse dominated the game against Cornell, scoring five goals in the first period, six in the second, and two in the third. Midway through the first, defenseman Bryana Treon displayed incredible determination as she managed to redirect the puck despite her stick breaking, symbolizing the team’s resilience and competitive spirit.
“This event helps spotlight women’s sports and showcases the athleticism and skills of these remarkable players,” Beam added.
Looking ahead, the team intends to make Women in Sports Night an annual celebration, with plans to include other women’s teams in future events. Beam mentioned that various teams have expressed interest in organizing learn-to-skate and friendly scrimmage events.
“This helps us become more visible in the community and demonstrates the positive impact we can have,” said Beam.
