Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan instructed his players to fire slapshots at each other during practices to force them to stay compact when blocking shots.

But instead of shooting real pucks, the players used rolls of masking tape.

‘Half the battle is just not being afraid to get yourself in front of the puck,’ sophomore forward Margot Scharfe said. ‘We have to learn to sacrifice our bodies and not be scared.’

Last Monday, the Syracuse defense started to practice blocking shots on the penalty kill by shooting rolls of masking tape at each other, a drill designed for players to tame their fear of getting hit by the puck. This makeshift drill added another strategic move to SU’s defensive playbook, while also conditioning players to sacrifice their bodies for their teammates.

The new defensive technique worked wonders for SU in last weekend’s sweep of Connecticut. The Orange defense allowed only nine shots through two periods and just 17 shots total in support of goaltender Kallie Billadeau as she recorded the first shutout of the season for SU.

The Orange’s gritty effort blocking shots in practice also paid off on the penalty kill. The Huskies went 0 of 5 on the power play, managing a dismal four shots combined against the Syracuse defense as it used the blocking technique to turn away multiple UConn shot attempts.

Flanagan emphasized the proper blocking technique to his team throughout the week leading up to the UConn matchup. The head coach said it teaches his players when to stand tall and when to stay low to the ice as the opposing offense shoots.

These blocking principles were on display in SU’s shutout against Connecticut last Friday.

After the game, Billadeau expressed her appreciation for her teammates’ effort in the locker room.

‘I love those girls when they sacrifice their body for me,’ Billadeau said. ‘It’s great. I do all I can for them, and they do what they can for me.’

Flanagan’s blocking tactics have also toughened the Orange on the ice. The coaching staff discourages the ‘flamingo’ style of blocking shots, which occurs when a player jumps out of the way when a shot is taken. By forcing themselves to stay in front of the puck, players are taming their fear of getting hit — which is a weakness that leaves the goalie exposed against shots.

Flanagan said he didn’t expect the drill to produce immediate results in games.

The players need to realize they are going to endure some bumps and bruises as the season wears on, but sacrificing their bodies will be worth it in the long run, Flanagan said.

The art of blocking shots also fuels personal motivation and raises team unity.

‘There’s usually a cheer from the bench that gets everyone excited,’ Flanagan said. ‘It’s akin to the men’s side when there is a big hit, when someone gets leveled at center ice and everyone is up on the bench.’

That excitement was on display in SU’s 2-1 victory over Connecticut on Saturday.

In the second period, the Orange was on a five-on-three player disadvantage when freshman Shiann Darkangelo sacrificed her body as she and the defenders had in the drill.

Darkangelo dove to her left to block a shot right before SU returned to full strength and the bench erupted with cheers.

Flanagan’s blocking drill has made a difference in the Orange defense by conditioning his players to play tougher, smarter and as a team.

‘It identifies who is willing to sacrifice their body in terms of laying down and blocking a shot for their teammates,’ Flanagan said. ‘It’s really an indicator of who wants to pay the price.’

awmirmin@syr.edu

Published on November 1, 2011 at 12:00 pm