The Syracuse University women’s ice hockey team has kicked off their season in stellar fashion, with freshman forward Rylee McLeod earning Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Rookie of the Week honors. The recognition, announced by the AHA on Monday, highlights McLeod’s standout performance during her collegiate debut weekend.
In her first weekend on the ice for Syracuse, McLeod made an immediate impact, tallying two points in a dominant showing. During Saturday’s matchup against Stonehill, she netted her first career goal, contributing to the Orange’s commanding 4-0 victory. The Grand Prairie, Alberta native found the back of the net just 3:44 into the third period, capping an impressive individual performance. Earlier in the game, McLeod registered her first collegiate point by assisting Charli Kettyle in the second period.
Standout Performance and Key Contributions
McLeod’s debut went beyond scoring, as she consistently contributed across the ice. Her +3 rating underscores her influence in driving Syracuse’s offensive success in their win over Stonehill. Notably, she played a pivotal role in three of the team’s four goals during the game.
McLeod also demonstrated her skill in the faceoff circle, winning a total of 14 faceoffs over the weekend. Her 10-of-15 faceoff wins in Friday’s season opener were particularly impressive, contributing to her weekend faceoff success rate of 56.0%. These numbers emphasize her well-rounded game and ability to compete effectively in critical moments.
Rylee McLeod (image via Getty)Recognizing Excellence Across the AHA
While McLeod earned Rookie of the Week honors, other standout performances were also acknowledged by the AHA. Penn State’s Tessa Janecke was named Forward of the Week, Robert Morris’ Thalia D’Elia secured Defenseman of the Week, and Maggie Hatch received Goalkeeper of the Week honors.
What’s Next for Syracuse Women’s Ice Hockey?
Syracuse, currently undefeated with a 2-0-0 record, faces a challenging test this Tuesday against No. 8 St. Lawrence at 6 p.m. Following the matchup, the Orange will return to the Tennity Ice Pavilion for a home game against RPI on Friday night at 6 p.m. The two teams will conclude their series with a Saturday game in Troy, New York, at 4 p.m.
With McLeod’s strong start and a promising roster, fans can anticipate more exciting performances as the season progresses. The Syracuse women’s ice hockey team has shown they’re ready to compete at a high level, making this a season to watch.
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