The University of Delaware D1 men’s hockey team is coming off of a very successful three day weekend against Robert-Morris University and Duquesne University, both in Pittsburgh, PA.
Friday and Saturday, the Blue Hens faced Robert Morris University.
Friday, Delaware 8 – RMU 1
Game 1 was a blowout for Delaware, with a final score of 8-1 including a hat trick for Chris Mazzella and a first time Blue Hen goal for freshman Mike Racioppi. Although there were no goals in the first period, both periods 2 and 3 were high-scoring. The first goal of the game was scored by Chris Mazzella early in period 2, assisted by Michael Nisky and Jack Zimmer. A few minutes later, Brian Ostrander scored an unassisted goal. Mazzella wasted no time in scoring his second goal of the night off of Nisky and captain Mike Zidansek, making the score 3-0 barely halfway through the second period. With thirty seconds left in the period, RMU was able to score their only goal of the night before they were torn through in the third period.
Kevin Felice started off the third period in favor of the Blue Hens with a goal off of Mike Redgate and Brian Ostrander only thirty seconds into the third. Chris Mazzella completed his hat trick after cashing in on passes from Nisky and Colin Emerich 7:09 into the third period. RMU never had a chance to retaliate when Calvin Raymore, getting the opportunity to show off in his hometown, saw an opening at 7:58 minutes when assists from Ian Anderson and Dylan Pasley allowed him to put one past the RMU goalie. Mike Racioppi also had his moment in the spotlight when he scored his first ACHA career goal as a Blue Hen 13:17 into the third period. This seventh Delaware goal of the night came off of passes from Nisky (his fourth assist of the night) and Anderson. Passes from Pasley and Redgate generated an opening for the final goal to be scored by Mike Nisky himself with four minutes left in regulation. The score was 8-1, Delaware.
Cal Raymore said, “It was great to go home and play. When the team comes together and plays how we can, we are unstoppable!”
 “I had a lot of fun in the game. Once the forecheck started to work, there was nothing they could do and we just didn’t stop scoring.” – Mike Racioppi
Saturday Delaware 4 – RMU 3
Similarly to the first game, Game 2 had a late start to goals with the first goal coming in from RMU 2 minutes into the second period after a no-goal first period. Delaware wasn’t able to cut the lead before another RMU goal came in at 9:29. Finally, Chris Mazzella utilized a pass off of Emerich and Nisky to score the first Delaware goal of the game and cut the RMU lead, 2-1. Eight minutes into the third period, Colin Emerich tied the score with help from Nisky and Mazzella. A goal from Gavin Hulser off of Pierce Lamberton brought the Blue Hens in the lead but not for long because with one minute left in regulation, RMU tied the game. It looked like the game might have to go into OT, but Pierce Lamberton forwarded passes from Gavin Hulser and Zid to score the final goal at 19:25 minutes, generating the final score of 4-3.
Sunday, Delaware 5 – Duquense 2
Heated from the earlier games in the weekend, Sunday’s game against Duquesne was another sweep for the Blue Hens with a final score of 5-2. Harrison Chuma started off the night with a goal late in the first period off of Mazzella and Emerich. Although the Dukes were able to score two goals in the second period, Delaware was able to regain their lead and win the game with goals from Ethan Docking, Pierce Lamberton, and Kevin Felice in the second period and Gavin Hulser finishing out the third.
This weekend, the boys will be back home for a game against Stony Brook University. Come out and support your Blue Hens! Keep up with us on social media:
Twitter: @udhockey
Instagram: @udicehockey
Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
