Before games, Kristen Siermachesky dances in the locker room with her teammates, something to help keep the mood light. For games on the road, she holds dance parties in her hotel room. Her teammates say these dance-offs encapsulate her personality perfectly — always bursting with energy, always positive, and, of course, always smiling.

“It’s super exciting to be in the position that we’re in every day,” Siermachesky said. “There’s no reason not to have a dance party.”

The junior isn’t just comic relief. Siermachesky played an important role in last season’s success when Syracuse had its best season in program history, winning its first ever College Hockey America title. Despite a knee injury which bothered her for much of the season, the defender was converted into a forward and scored a crucial goal in the CHA final against Robert Morris. After undergoing knee surgery this past spring, Siermachesky is ready to build on last season’s triumphs.

“Her persona is all about being positive,” 12th-year head coach Paul Flanagan said. “Every once in a while, it’d be alright if she just kicked the door and got mad, but she won’t do it.”

That positivity has been a constant for Siermachesky throughout her career at Syracuse — and long before that, according to her father, Cory. Growing up in a family where both her parents played sports at high levels, it was natural for Siermachesky to follow along.

During her sophomore year, her positive nature was tested. Siermachesky suffered a head and shoulder injury which sidelined her for seven games. Knee issues also plagued Siermachesky that season. Her teammates watched as she powered through the pain without complaining, inspiring the rest of the locker room, co-captain Lindsay Eastwood said. Still, Siermachesky needed knee surgery in the offseason.

Eva Suppa | Digital Design Editor

Over the summer, Siermachesky woke up early before working at her internship to rehabilitate her knee, Flanagan said. She didn’t want to let her injury overcome her.

“A lot of kids will take a crutch and lean on it, but she’s the kind of kid who says ‘I don’t want a crutch,’” Flanagan said.

Siermachesky didn’t play in Syracuse’s first exhibition on Sept. 22 against Montreal and her recovery is still ongoing. But her work ethic, which former teammate Allie Munroe calls one of the best on the team, should help her get back to 100% soon.

“Kristen never settles for the weights that are on the bar,” former captain Brooke Avery said of Siermachesky’s work ethic.

When Flanagan asked Siermachesky to move from defense to forward during last year’s CHA playoff run, she didn’t hesitate. Playing out of position and through pain, Siermackesy scored the go-ahead goal in the first period of the championship against Robert Morris, leading Syracuse to its first-ever CHA title.

“It shows you how versatile she is, that she can play both positions,” Munroe said. “But she doesn’t really care where she plays, she just wants to help the team win.”

Whether the team will be able to repeat last season’s success is yet to be determined. But throughout the season, Siermachesky will be working hard, doing what’s best for the team, and of course, dancing.

“I’m so happy with where I am and all the people I’m surrounded by,” she said. “There’s no reason not to be smiling.”

Published on September 25, 2019 at 11:02 pm

Contact Roshan: rferna04@syr.edu | @Roshan_f16