By Collin Bolebruch
Having reported on SUNYAC sports for three years now, I want the sports section to expand beyond Plattsburgh. In this column, I will explore membership issues, rivals’ seasons and the conference the Cardinals call home.
I don’t think a single person could have predicted what the SUNYAC men’s hockey standings would look like at this moment. With one more weekend to go before winter break, it’s clear that this season is going to be a dogfight.
Plattsburgh (4-4, 2-2), Cortland (6-3, 3-1), Oswego (3-4-2, 3-1) and Buffalo State (6-2, 4-0) — yes, Buffalo State — have all gotten United States College Hockey Online and D-III Hockey News poll votes. With tons of games left to play, I’d like to take a look at the teams that have stood out so far.
BUFFALO STATE
The Buffalo State Bengals have been surprising after finishing last season 4-10-2 in the conference. This season, the Bengals finished their November SUNYAC games 4-0.
Most notably, Buffalo State defeated reigning SUNYAC Champions Cortland by a score of 5-3 on Nov. 16 and Oswego by a score of 2-1 in overtime on Nov. 22.
The Bengals didn’t come close to winning the shots battle in either game, and both came down to the wire. Buffalo State doesn’t look like a typical SUNYAC contender, but it very well could play spoiler.
Buffalo State has never won a SUNYAC Semifinal game, but so far we’ve seen anything can happen — especially when two playoff spots have opened this season.
CORTLAND
Oswego and Plattsburgh spent time ranked, but now Cortland is the lone SUNYAC team to be in the top-15 at 14 from USCHO and 13 from D-III Hockey News.
The Dragons have played three ranked out-of-conference games. Cortland lost 3-5 to No. 2 Adrian on Nov. 8 in a game that was tight until the third. Last weekend, Cortland split No. 5 Curry twice, winning 8-3 and losing 1-5. Cortland is capable of keeping games close nationally.
At the SUNYAC level, the Dragons’ loss to the Bengals was disappointing, but it wasn’t a bad game from Cortland.
In the SUNYAC Championship rematch, Cortland took down Plattsburgh by a score of 3-1. Statistically, the game was close, but Cortland held the two-goal lead for 26 minutes.
The Dragons haven’t seen the Oswego Lakers yet, but it’s going to be a good game this weekend.
Cortland should be viewed as the favorites to repeat at this point, despite SUNYAC voters placing both Oswego and Plattsburgh higher in the preseason polls. There’s still a lot of season to go, but the Dragons haven’t gone anywhere.
OSWEGO
Oswego has not done itself any favors, playing seven vote-receiving teams so far this season. The Lakers have a losing record right now that’s sure to even out.
Oswego opened the season 0-2-1, losing 2-5 to No. 1 Hobart on Nov. 1 and 2-4 to No. 2 Adrian on Nov. 9 and tying 0-0 to No. 10 Elmira on Nov. 2. That’s one hell of a gauntlet.
During its annual Whiteout Weekend, Oswego defeated visiting No. 12 Plattsburgh by a score of 5-1. A decisive win, it was also one the Lakers needed badly.
The next weekend, Oswego lost to Buffalo State. Like Cortland’s game, it was unlucky and a lesson for the Lakers to clean up.
Last weekend took me by surprise, when the Lakers finished 0-1-1 against preseason ranked teams in Utica’s tournament. Oswego lost 3-4 in overtime to Stevenson and 4-4 in shootouts to the University of New England.
The Lakers remain a serious threat at the SUNYAC title, but is that as far as they can go? Their results at the Utica University Tournament were simply discouraging.
PLATTSBURGH
The Plattsburgh Cardinals have not been the team I thought they would be at all during its fall semester. With a returning defensive core, I didn’t think their D zone coverage would need as much work as it does. Injures have also hampered the Cards.
Against teams to receive USCHO votes, Plattsburgh is 0-4, most recently losing to Norwich in the LayerEight Shootout Tournament by a score of 0-1 on Friday.
It’s been a rough first eight games, but the Cardinals showed improvement in the Tournament loss. The upcoming break will be important for recovery and restrategizing.
I have faith the Cardinals can get back on track thanks to their good group of veterans and strong coaching staff. If their 2025 campaign is stronger, they’re just as competitive as anyone for the SUNYAC crown.
