CARDINALS hockey sweeps semifinals

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Sports Editor

The SUNYAC men’s hockey championship and the NEWHL title game will both feature the Plattsburgh Cardinals. Plattsburgh advanced in the playoffs following a doubleheader featuring two Cardinal wins at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena Feb. 25. For the first time since 2017, both teams have won its semifinal matchup and are one game away from being crowned conference champions.

Women

The No. 2 women’s team (24-2, NEWHL 17-1) beat the No. 24 Canton Kangaroos (14-10-2, NEWHL 8-9-1) 7-1 in the NEWHL Tournament semifinals. Plattsburgh remains the unbeaten team in NEWHL playoff history and will return to the championship game for a chance at reclaiming its title. It was the highest-attended game all season with 475 fans.

“We’re getting good contributions and good play from our top four lines and our D as well,” Head Coach Kevin Houle said. “It’s good to see that type of production.”

Cho’s goal was the first of her collegiate career.

Last week, Krauseneck credited the young defensive group, including Cho, for helping the offense by being trustworthy.

“Especially being young, there’s obviously going to be a little bit of doubt if they are able to play well or able to bring the puck down. I think trust is a big part of it,” Cho said. “Knowing that [Krauseneck] trusts us, all the younger players, it’s very comforting to say the least.”

Forwards Carson Gallagher (28), Joshua Belgrave (10) and Trey Thomas onship berth under Head Coach Steve Moffat. The team beat Geneseo 5-1

No Cardinal struck twice, as all seven goals were scored by different players. Goal-scorers were forwards Sara Krauseneck, Holly Schmelzer, Bridget Orr, Lily Stumm and Mae Olshansky and defensemen Sierra Benjamin and Su-An Cho, a firstyear student.

Forwards Riley Calhoun and Ciara Wall totaled two assists each. Cho, Benjamin and Stumm each had an assist in addition to their goals. Benjamin and Cho spent their time on the ice effectively, as both recorded a plus-minus of plus-five.

Ashley Davis started in the net and saved 17 of 18 shots, good for a 0.964 save percentage. Plattsburgh dominated in shot totals with 66 to Canton’s 18.