Syracuse celebrated Emelia “Emmy” Phillips Saturday with a puck drop and had her out during the starting line-ups.
Emmy is part of the team in its work with Team IMPACT. She has been with the Orange throughout the season.
The Orange wore white T-shirts that they designed with messages for Emmy to the game.
Sami Gendron said it helped each player show their relationship with Emmy.
“We all support her, we all love her. We all have a personal connection with her differently, so each of us making our jersey, it’s really something special that we can add our own personal touch to it,” Gendron said.
Team IMPACT helps pair young kids with serious illnesses and disabilities with college teams to create a relationship.
Emmy is a 5-year-old with spina bifida and CASK genetic disorder. She came to the game with her parents and sister.
Heidi Knoll said Emmy is important to the team and its culture.
“This was a great Emmy Day. Thanks to her, honestly, she scored that first goal. She touched my stick before the game, and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without her,” Knoll said.
Knoll scored the first goal of the game on the way to a 3-2 win. She found a puck in the slot and was able to slide it through the legs of Sarah Coe.
“Culture is so important here and she is the heart of our culture. We play for her everyday,” Knoll said.
Knoll’s goal was her first of the season. Gendron scored her first in the game to give the Orange a 2-0 in the first period.
Gendron said it was good to get a win as the season winds down and the team starts to get into playoff hockey.
Coach Smith said the team wanted to play a hard and dedicated game in front of Emmy.
“Emmy’s Day is something that we’ve been looking forward to. Someone who really is a huge part of the program, a big part of our culture. Really excited that we played a tough game in front of her. She is someone that shows resiliency every day of her life, so for us to be able to play some pretty hard hockey in front of her was something that we wanted to make sure that we did,” Smith said.
The Orange won 3-2 over the Tigers in its first win of 2025.
Syracuse and RIT are tied for third place in the AHA. Syracuse plays Lindenwood in its last home series of the season Friday and Saturday.