Following a nine game road trip that saw the Colonials break the program record for longest winning streak of the season, the Robert Morris women’s hockey team will be back home beginning College Hockey America (CHA) play.

  Thus far in the season, the Colonials have faced ten different teams, all of which play in different conferences, which makes the CHA opener against Syracuse exciting for the team.

  “I think that we are all pretty excited to start playing CHA teams,” explained freshman Rebecca Vint. “We have gotten a look at what some of the other teams are like and will be prepared in all different areas for our upcoming games.”

  Junior forward Kelsey Thomas also enjoys CHA games because there is a more competitive aspect to those games.

  “CHA games are always exciting, they sort have a different feel to them and it seems like more of a battle, so of course our team can’t wait to get into them.”

  The Colonials have faced off against the Orange 12 times, compiling a record of 4-5-3, with the last meeting coming on February 19.

  Although conference games are the focus on the schedule, senior captain Paige Pietrangelo says the team hasn’t been doing anything out of the ordinary to prepare.

  “There is no difference in terms of preparation knowing we’re playing a CHA series rather than a non-conference one,” she said. “The most important game is always the next one, and we don’t worry about anything else until that next game it over.”

 Thomas agrees with Pietrangelo and says it’s all about getting the win.

  “As a team, we look at every game the same and do whatever we can to get the results we want.”

  After nine straight games on the road it is exciting for the Colonials that they are able to kick off CHA play in their own arena.

  “Knowing we’re going to be back at home soon is exciting, especially having our first home games in a while being CHA games,” Thomas said. “Being at home to start out CHA play will be to our advantage and hopefully we can get it done.”

  Pietrangelo also said she’s excited to play at home, despite enjoying road games.

  “As exciting as it is to play on the road and being able to see new places, there’s something about being in your own rink that makes it good to be home.”

  The series against Syracuse will take place on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, and will have earlier start times than usual. Friday’s match will have a 3:05 puck drop while Saturday’s game will begin at 2:05 with both games being held at the Island Sports Center.

  Following the Syracuse series, the team will have two matchups against non-conference teams, with one game featuring the annual College Hockey Showcase at Consol Energy Center.

  The Colonials will then face off against CHA rival, and head coach Paul Colontino’s former team, Mercyhurst, in January.