The 2013–2014 season marked a turning point in Syracuse Men’s Hockey history—the beginning of a dominant era that would span six years.
Finishing with a 19–5–2 record and an undefeated home mark (11–0), Syracuse captured the NECHL Championship and earned its first-ever ACHA National Tournament berth. The team also achieved a Top 20 national ranking.
Captained by Russell Suskind, the team combined experienced leadership with emerging talent. JR LaPointe led the offense with 45 points, followed by Tim Elie and Aaron Witzel. Strong playmaking and disciplined team structure defined their success, while goaltenders Austin Leftkowicz and Jaime Ketchabaw provided stability in net.
A dramatic season-ending series against Buffalo secured the championship via goal differential, sending Syracuse to Nationals for the first time in program history.
This team featured six future Hall of Famers and firmly established Syracuse on the national stage.
Team Roster
Forwards: Tim Elie, Nick Hockler, Sam Gerdano, Evan Asroff, Russell Suskind, Niall Harding, Brendan Flanagan, Alex Rajaniemi, Mitch Lesueur, Ben Silver, MacKenzie Connor, David Nardoni, Aaron Witzel, Matt DiVietro, Adam Montgomery, Adam Ganley, Nolan Metzler, JR LaPointe
Defense: Dylan Hantula, Robert Amos, Luke Mazur, Ben Ferro, Eric Fitzgerald, David Taft, Nino DiPasquale, Scott Briggs, Jim Guida
Goalies: Jaime Ketchabaw, Conor Hurley, Nick Ponzo, Austin Leftkowicz
Coaches: Nick Pierandri, Connor Treacy, Andrew Wolinski, John Parks
