The Hens travelled across the country to play three games in Colorado this past weekend. Thursday night, the team fell to University of Colorado, Boulder, with the score being 4-2. The team split a series with Colorado State University, winning 4-2 on Friday night, and losing 7-2 on Saturday.
“Thursday night’s game started off slowly for us. You could tell right away that we were still getting acclimated to the altitude and time difference through the first period and a half. Our legs just weren’t there, and whether it was from flying the day before or the countless bus rides, we weren’t keeping up with the pace of play. Boulder scored about 4 minutes into the first period which ended 1-0 in their favor. The second period started with them scoring 2 goals to go up 3-0, before Cole Zucker scored on a snap shot from the top of the circle to put us within reaching distance, and going into the second intermission down 3-1. The third period is where we finally hit our stride, played the hardnosed, fast pace game we usually play. Jake DeFares scored with just over 5 minutes to go in the third to make it 3-2, but that wasn’t enough to get us the win, with Boulder adding on an empty net goal with about a second remaining on the clock to end the game 4-2,” said Andrew Corapi. Zucker’s goal was unassisted, and DeFares had the assist from Chris Mazzella and Justin Hoch.
Friday night’s game was the first against Colorado State. Michael Nisky said, “In the first period we started off slow, and were in the game luckily because of our goalie, Stephen East. In the second period, we picked it up, got our wheels going and played like the team we are. We scored a couple of goals, and were all around just the better team. Coming out in the third, we just played like the better team. Our speed and skill was dominate over their size, and we were able to win the game. The team had a positive mentality throughout the game, and everyone came together as a unit. We had a lot of injuries to important players on the team, and we fought through it. I think that we played well, and the way that we should.” There were four goals for the night to total up to the win. DeFares scored the first goal of the night in the first period off an assist from Nisky and Landon Gabriele. The next three goals came in the second. Pierce Lamberton scored goal number two off an assist from Mazzella. John Redgate extended the lead with an unassisted goal. Lamberton, once again, sealed the deal and scored off an assist from Redgate and Ian Anderson.
Saturday’s game resulted in a loss, and the teams split the weekend. “In the first period we went down early and fought back to make it a one goal game 3-2. Penalties called on us made it difficult to get into the flow of the game. The second period was more of the same with a lot of penalties coming our way, with little leniency from the refs, and some questionable calls putting us down 4-2. Coming out for the third period, we let our emotions get the best of us, and fell into their game by taking too many penalties. Our focus kind of went away that led to us losing 7-2. I think overall we weren’t 5 goals worse than them, but allowed them to take us out of the game with poor penalties and a lack of urgency. We were down several guys due to injury, and even the guys playing in the games this weekend were fighting through injuries as well. I think the team is ready to take this break as time to recuperate and get back to top health, so we’re ready for the upcoming weekend against Stony Brook and for the rest of the season.” Friday night’s goals were scored by John Redgate, assisted by his brother, Michael Redgate, and Chris Mazzella, assisted by Kevin Felice and Michael Zidansek.
The team is back on home ice, December 2nd and 3rd, for a series against Stony Brook University. Friday night the teams will play at 9:15, and Saturday at 3:45 in the afternoon. Saturday will be “Hockey Holidays,” and the team will be sitting in Trabant all week selling raffle tickets to some really cool prizes, you definitely won’t want to miss this! Be sure to support the team and try to win some really cool prizes while doing it! As always, keep up with our social media pages for updates on all things Delaware hockey.
The team would like to thank all of their fans for all of their support so far this season, and can’t wait for more. Happy Thanksgiving to all our families, friends, fans, and alumni. We hope you enjoy your holiday, and hope to see you at the Rust in December!
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Written By: Analisa Vizzoni
