SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse junior goaltender Lucy Schoedel (Ithaca, N.Y.) was named the College Hockey America Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, February 2. Schoedel's award marks her first career CHA award and the first Syracuse player to receiver a Defensive Player of the Week decoration. The Orange has collected four conference laurels throughout the season (freshman Megan Skelly – three Rookie of the Week honors).
The third-year local product anchored Syracuse's defense all weekend, making key stops in critical situations in an effort to secure the Orange's first two conference victories in program history, 2-1 and 3-1, respectively.
On Friday night against Niagara, Schoedel turned aside 36-of-37 shots, the most she has thwarted since her career-high of 46 against Mercyhurst on Nov. 15. Schoedel faced heavy pressure all evening as the Purple Eagles outshot Syracuse 37-17 in the game.
On Saturday, SU's goalie stopped 26-of-27 shots, bringing her weekend total to 62 saves and a 96.9 two-game save percentage. Schoedel's guile in net prevented Niagara from scoring in all 16 of its powerplay chances.
Throughout her career, Schoedel has made 632 total stops. In 1309:47 of play, Schoedel has allowed 3.21 goals per game and has stopped 90.0 of opposing attempts (632-702).
Schoedel, who transferred from the University of New Hampshire in her junior season, has started all 23 games in cage for the Orange.
Following the Niagara sweep, Syracuse will be given the weekend off and then return to the rink in Fairfield, Conn. for a two-game set again Sacred Heart on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14. Friday's game is slated for 7 pm while the Saturday matinee will be at 2 pm.
In the previous matchup between the Orange the Pioneers, Syracuse outscored SHU 17-3 in two games.
Once the Orange returns, SU will host Division II-program St. Anselm on Friday, Feb. 20 for the final showing at Tennity Ice Pavilion in the inaugural season. Saturday's game will take place at the Onondaga County War Memorial at 2 pm.