The UD Men’s Ice Hockey Program is proud to announce that alumnus Rocky Romanella has been named Head Coach of the ACHA Division 1 team. Romanella graduated from UD in 2010 and after four years of coaching at the NCAA, ACHA, and Junior A levels he is returning to his Alma Mater: “It is hard to express how excited I am about being the next head coach at the University of Delaware. I want to thank MF Schurman, the alumni, and the players for this opportunity. I look forward to working with the current players, recruits, and all those a part of our UD Family on bringing a National Championship back to Newark” Romanella said.
Coach Romanella is returning to UD from the New Jersey Junior Titans organization as he held the position of Associate Coach for the EHL Junior team. Prior to working with the Titans he was an assistant coach at league rival Rutgers University. From 2010-2012 he was the assistant coach at NCAA Division II/III Saint Michael’s College. In all three programs, Romanella was the lead recruiter, video coach, practice planner, and helped in all other facets of the programs’ hockey operations.
Romanella graduated from the University of Delaware in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and is currently working towards his Masters in Higher Education. He appeared in 68 games in his 2 years at UD putting together 25 goals 24 assists and 117 PIM. In 2010 he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and also won the John O’Connor Intensity award in 2010 and 2009. Prior to his time at UD he played at NCAA Division III Lebanon Valley College. At LVC, Romanella appeared in 42 games and amassed 92 PIM.
Romanella is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach and has evaluated in the New England, Massachusetts, Atlantic and South East Districts. He also has been a Head Instructor for Pro Ambitions hockey camps and will participate this summer in high level camps such as the Elite Edge Showcase in Nashville, TN, Massachusetts Development Camp at Cushing Academy, and the Harvard Hockey Camp at Harvard University.
Romanella takes over for MF Schurman who led UD to a National Championship in 2011-2012. Schurman took the program over in the 2010-2011 season and was instrumental in growing the UD hockey program from one team to three teams in 2011-2012.
The University of Delaware enters its 42nd season this coming August. Prospective players should fill out a recruiting form or contact Coach Romanella at coachromanella@udelhockey.com. All returning players and those wishing to try out for the D1, D2, or D3 teams should stayed tuned to www.udelhockey.com website for sign up information. Tryouts for the D1 team will take place from August 25-27 at the Fred Rust Ice Arena.
