Get Ready for the 2025-26 Ice Hockey Season Kickoff This Thursday at Syracuse University!

Syracuse women’s ice hockey kicks off its season against No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on September 25 and 26. Both games start at 6 p.m. and will take place at the Tennity Ice Pavilion. Fans can catch the action live on FloHockey and track stats on Cuse.com.

Head coach Britni Smith is entering her fourth season. This year, she’ll also serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Smith is excited about her dual role and will still support the Orange team while focusing on her Olympic duties. Associate head coach Heather Farrell will take charge during this season.

Canada’s Olympic roster includes teams like Finland and the United States. Canada will kick off its Olympic journey on February 5 against Finland. In recent international play, Smith guided the team to a silver medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where they lost only to the U.S. in a tightly contested overtime battle.

In team news, Smith recently announced the captains for this season. Senior Sami Gendron and junior Nea Tervonen will lead as captains, both wearing the letter “C” for the first time. Assistant captains include Maya D’Arcy, Heidi Knoll, and Jackson Kinsler. D’Arcy and Knoll are returning in their roles, while Kinsler earns her first captaincy.

New faces in the coaching staff include Jordan Lipson and Dan Ringwald. Lipson comes from Robert Morris University, where she was instrumental in their community outreach programs and team development. At RIT, Ringwald had a standout playing career, setting records and earning awards for his defensive skills. His experience extends to professional leagues, which will be invaluable for the team.

The upcoming season is not just about the games; it’s a chance for growth and building a community. The Orange have a loyal fanbase that’s eager to support the team. As Syracuse ice hockey embraces this new season, anticipation is high, and hopes are set for a successful campaign ahead.

By fostering talent and nurturing relationships both on and off the ice, this season promises to be one to remember. For updates, follow Syracuse ice hockey on Twitter and Instagram.

For further insights into women’s sports and ice hockey developments, check out this NHL report.

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