By: Kaitlin Greenstein

The number 19 ranked Blue Hens will be returning to the rink for the first time since November! This weekend they will be facing the Colorado State University Rams, ranked 18th in the league.

The last series the Hens played was against Stony Brook back in early December. Unfortunately, the Seawolves swept the Blue Hens with a 5-0 loss on Saturday and a then a closer game of 3-2 on Sunday. UD put up a tough fight that weekend. In the second game, the team saw goals from Alex Guerere with an assist from John Redgate, who also scored the second goal of the game. The Blue Hens are ready to come back and fight hard this weekend. The Hens will need to take advantage of their speed and every opportunity in front of the net that they get. We will need to make good passes, continue our success on penalty kills and defense, and continue to make smart plays in front of the Ram’s net. As of now, the point leaders are Cole Zucker (26), John Redgate (21), and Leo Skehan (19).

CSU has a record or 7-13-3, and we have not yet faced them this season, but Delaware is ready for the challenge. The Rams’ last games played were against the number one team, Minot State University. Colorado lost both games 5-1. Going into this weekend, some key players that the Hens should watch out for are the Rams point leaders, Nicholas O’Donnell (16), William Neff (16), and Austin Ansay (14).

The player to watch this weekend is assistant captain and junior, John Redgate. He is a successful point leader for UD, and uses his speed to his advantage when attacking the opposing net. He is a strong asset to the Hens’ offensive line, and we can’t wait to see what he will bring to the ice this weekend!

If you can’t make it to the Rust, be sure to keep up with the games through our live stream via Ustream, Twitter page @UDHockey, this weekend! We hope see everyone come out and support the Hens for their first series back since November 20th!  The games are Saturday, January 9th at 5:15pm which is Blue and Gold night, fans are encouraged to wear as much blue and gold to support the school and your fighting blue hens. Sunday, January 10th at 3:30pm is Youth Hockey Day all children who wear a hockey jersey will get free admission to the game! Hope to see you there!