The 2016–2017 season further solidified Syracuse Men’s Hockey as a dominant force in the NECHL. Building on the momentum of the previous year, the program captured back-to-back league championships and earned its third ACHA National Tournament appearance in four seasons.
Under Head Coach Nick Pierandri and assistants Connor Treacy, Andrew Wolinski, and goaltending coach John Parks, Syracuse compiled an impressive 28–9 record while outscoring opponents 190–121. The team earned another Top 20 national ranking and competed against top programs across multiple leagues, including the CHMA, ECHA, GLCHL, and ESCHL.
A strong first half (16–3) featured an eight-game win streak and a championship performance at the inaugural Buffalo Meltdown Tournament. Despite a semifinal exit in the NECHL playoffs, Syracuse’s regular-season title secured a berth in the ACHA National Tournament.
Led by captain Matt DiVietro, the team combined veteran leadership with a standout rookie class. Freshman Peter-Owen Hayward led the offense with 64 points, supported by “Tripp” Franzese (45 points) and Keith Lambert (41 points). A deep supporting cast contributed across the lineup, while offensive defensemen Luke Caddo, Pat Corcoran, and Ben Ferro added key production from the blue line.
In net, Zachary Shapiro (13–2, .898 SV%) and Michael Cuozzo (11–5, .878 SV%) anchored a reliable goaltending unit.
Team Members
Forwards: Keith Lambert, Connor McNamara, Alex Aguirre, Rob VanRaamsdonk, Matt Jacobs, Adam Ganley, Zach Bunick, Peter-Owen Hayward, Connor Rotenberg, Joseph Pucciarelli, William “Tripp” Franzese, Ben King, Mackenzie Connor, Owen Herrington, Christian Van Hecke, Matt DiVietro (C), Brandon Peters
Defense: Jacob Patalino, Luke Caddo, Will Gebbie, Pat O’Connor, Andrew Wales, Pat Corcoran, Benedict Ferro, David Rosen, Stephen Bressi
Goalies: Zachary Shapiro, Evan Christian, Michael Cuozzo, Eric Parker
Staff: Nick Pierandri (Head Coach), Connor Treacy, Andrew Wolinski (Assistant Coaches), John Parks (Goaltending Coach), John Petosa (Advisor)
