Over the past two seasons, SU owns a dominant 22-9-1 record in games played after winter break. Last season, Syracuse scored 36 goals in 18 games played prior to break, but after returning, the Orange netted 13 more goals, scoring 49, in two fewer games, outscoring its opponents 49-25. 

 With two games before winter break, the Orange (5-9-2, 4-1-1 CHA) is nearing its sweet spot of the season. Every season, SU is given about 20 days off from games during the break from school, allowing players time to refuel for the latter half of the season. If the past two seasons are any indication, the roughly three-week break will pay dividends for the Orange again this season.   

 Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan believes it is important to be cognizant of not putting too much wear and tear on his team in the first semester of a two-semester sport. Flanagan has learned from mistakes early on in his career when bringing a team back too early had negative effects on its performance on the ice.   

 “I think the long break rejuvenates them (the players) both physiologically and mentally,” Flanagan said. “Giving them as much of a break as we can is very conducive to having a good second half.”  

 Flanagan believes the time off helps Syracuse reenergize, while it also benefits from a CHA heavy schedule. Over the past two seasons the Orange is 3-17-4 in nonconference games compared to a 18-5-3 record in the CHA in that same time frame.  

 “We get into primarily our CHA schedule,” said Flanagan, “The familiarity helps us as well.” 

 Syracuse senior defender Megan Quinn credits the team’s success upon returning from break to time off from classes and surge of confidence due to the CHA schedule. Quinn said that playing so many quality teams at the beginning of the season hurts team morale, but provided valuable experience for CHA play.  

 “It’s good to get a break away from school and hockey,” Quinn said. “But getting into a little CHA play going into break boosts our confidence coming out of break.”  

 SU captain Stephanie Grossi not only credits the Orange’s success after returning from break to rest and recovery but also to the workout program SU is assigned while at home to help keep its conditioning up to speed. 

 After its final weekend series beginning Dec. 8 against Mercyhurst, Syracuse players will depart on break. When they return, they will face CHA opponent Robert Morris. Thus, beginning the final stretch Syracuse often excels in.  

Published on December 7, 2017 at 12:17 am

Contact Anthony: amkhelil@syr.edu