A New Era for Orange Women's Hockey
Syracuse University has named Brian Idalski as the new head coach of its women's hockey program, tapping a coach whose career spans collegiate, professional and international arenas.
Idalski arrives after a decade at the University of North Dakota, where he transformed the Fighting Hawks into a national contender and guided the team to the NCAA tournament in 2019 and 2022. His tenure included the development of Olympic gold‑medalists Jocelyne Lamoureux‑Davidson and Monique Lamoureux‑Morando, as well as standout goaltender Kristen Campbell.
Before his college role, Idalski coached in the Professional Women's Hockey League, leading the Vancouver franchise and honing his expertise in player recruitment and program building. He also gained experience at the prep level, further diversifying his coaching background.
Program History and Future Prospects
Syracuse's women's hockey team has a storied past, having made NCAA tournament appearances in 2019 and 2022. The program's trajectory reflects a steady climb, driven by strategic coaching changes and increasing investment in the sport.
Competing in the Atlantic Hockey conference, the Orange face off against traditional powerhouses such as Penn State and RIT, a schedule that offers both challenging matchups and opportunities for growth.
Syracuse's athletic director, Bryan Blair, praised Idalski's record, noting that the program has reached the NCAA tournament twice and competes in the Atlantic Hockey conference alongside schools such as Penn State and RIT. Blair highlighted the coach's ability to attract talent and elevate the team's competitive edge.
The Orange finished the previous season with a 15‑18‑4 record under interim coach Britni Smith, a result that underscores the program's growth potential. Idalski is expected to bring a fresh strategic vision while continuing to develop student‑athletes both on and off the ice.
With a focus on recruiting, player development and community engagement, the new coaching staff aims to restore the Orange to consistent tournament contention. The upcoming season will serve as a benchmark for measuring progress toward the program's long‑term ambitions.