We are just weeks away from the Orange’s opener against Boston University. Since mid-December’s schedule announcement, SU has drifted away from being considered title favorites. The ‘Cuse didn’t weaken over the holidays, but the analysts are fair to worry about the brutal schedule that includes a tough eight-game road trip beginning in February.
Syracuse fans’ mentality in the 315 remains the same: title or bust. While core names such as attackmen Joey Spallina and defenseman Billy Dwan III will gain a roar from the JMA Dome’s crowd in a few weeks time, the Orange need their “X-factors” to come through amidst one of the toughest regular season slates of all time and a top five that includes a Maryland team that has certainly given HC Gary Gait issues in the past.
Dante Bowen, SSDM
Syracuse’s main roster comes from its midfield: how will SU fill the shoes of now-graduated PLL studs Sam English and Carter Rice? Bowen, a graduate student, comes from Ohio State. He brings four years of grit and collegiate experience and adds NCAA Tournament experience to a midfield group now mostly comprised of freshman and sophomores. He doesn’t have any stats from his career with the Buckeyes, but he will be in the rotation for the ‘Cuse.
Trey Deere, Attack
Yes, Deere is listed as an attackman on the roster. He has been used by Gait as more of an offensive midfielder ion past years but looks to use his size to fill Hiltz’s gap. Deere, a junior, is still behind talented offensives pieces such as Spallina, Finn Thomson, and Michael, but a strong early season could solidfy his spot as the top option on the Orange’s second attack line. He had 19 goals last season; imagine what Deere could do with an extra 5-10 minutes per game?
John Mullen, FO
Games are won and lost at the faceoff circle; Syracuse needs Mullen fully healthy throughout its 2026 season to maintain the possession battle. He ended 2025 with a 63% faceoff win rate, the sixth best rate in Division 1. The Orange have two other faceoff players on the roster, but one of them (John Olenik) is a true freshman, and the other (Drew Angelo) has only taken six faceoffs in his collegiate career. SU’s success in the possession battle starts with Mullen.
Syracuse begins its 2026 season against Boston University. Stay tuned for more updates on the website, and follow the Fizz on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
