By: Analisa Vizzoni
All photos are credited to Tisa Della-Volpe.
The University of Delaware’s Ice Hockey team is a group of energetic, friendly, and fun-loving guys who have so much personality and love for the game. The team is ranked 16th in the nation, and has a record of 10-5-2. Part of the team’s greatness can be credited to their coaching staff: head coach, Julian Giantonio; assistant and defense coach, Ken Trentkowski; assistant and goalie coach, Matt Di Girolamo; and assistant coach, Nick Matarese. The other part of the team’s greatness can be credited to their captains. I was given the chance to interview these fine gentlemen, to learn a little more about them and what they do for the team.
Leo Skehan
#4, a senior from York, Pennsylvania, is the head captain of the team, forward, and has 19 points so far this season. He has had 3 goals and 16 assists.
Highlight play from last year? Breaking my ankle during the only game in the Gold Arena.
Favorite professional hockey player?
Wayne Simmonds
Favorite food?
Corned beef and cabbage, obviously.
Favorite TV show?
True Detective, season 1
Place you’ve always wanted to visit?
Dover, Delaware
Person you text the most?
Vinny Zingarelli
Nickname?
Leonard
Team BFF?
Ian Anderson
Favorite quote?
“You’re not proposin’ are ya?” –Sonny Koufax, Big Daddy
Personal goals for the rest of the season?
Score more goals than John Redgate.
Career aspirations?
A job in wealth management.
Nick Ustaski
#23, Assistant captain and defenseman, with 10 points so far this season, is a senior from Glenview, Illinois. He has had 5 goals, 5 assists, and 26 PIMS this season. He is also the Team President, which means he in charge of team leadership and off-ice operations with coaching staff, student leader with the University, manages student interns, comes up with team budget, and organizes charity events.
Highlight play from last year?
Scoring the game winning goal at Liberty.
Favorite professional hockey player?
Andrew Laad
Favorite food?
Chicago Style Hot Dog or a deep dish pie
Favorite TV show?
Modern Family
Place you’ve always wanted to visit?
Rome, Italy
Person you text the most?
My dad and brother
Nickname?
Savo
Team BFF?
Dan Going
Favorite quote?
“Heavy lies the crown.”
Personal goals for the rest of the season?
Get to 20 points and win a national championship.
Career aspirations?
Be a lawyer for a pro-sports organization, team, or sports governing body.
John Redgate
#12, a Junior from Suffern, New York, and is the other assistant captain, forward, and has 19 points so far this season. He has had 10 goals and 9 assists.
Highlight play from last year? Having a goal and assist in the last two minutes of the Stony Brook game in the ESCHL championship.
Favorite professional hockey player?
Patrick Marleau
Favorite food?
Chili
Favorite TV show?
The Leftovers
Place you’ve always wanted to visit?
California
Person you text the most?
Brother Mike Redgate
Nickname?
JR12
Team BFF?
Cameron Bregenzer
Favorite quote?
“What do you mean?” –Justin Bieber
Personal goal for the rest of the season?
End up with more points than last year.
Career aspirations?
Be a professional hockey player in the NHL.
Leo, Nick and John are greatly appreciated and respected by their teammates. Some of their teammates told me what they think of the captains, and I believe that their opinions show just what kind of guys the captains are. Cole Zucker said, “Leo is one of the hardest workers on the team. He always inspires the rest of the team.” Vinny Zingarelli said, “They have great work ethic.” Ian Anderson responded, “They’re good role models to look up to, to see how to play at this level.” Landon Gabriele added, “They are always there to help you out.” Corey Leskanic responded, “All the captains are very dedicated to the team and have showed great leadership over the course of the season. They do this by being very vocal and being great role models for their teammates.” Andrew Corapi said, “The captains have a healthy balance between leading our team and just being one of the guys at the same time. Obviously they take practice and games just as seriously as the rest of us, but they know how to keep the mood light in the locker room and outside of the rink. They’re all good guys and good friends. We’re lucky to have them leading our team.”
The Urban Dictionary’s definition of a leader is someone who has the ability to inspire others to achieve tasks and goals that they might not otherwise be capable of reaching. Leo, Nick and John are the team leaders. They prove their leadership every day in practice and during the games. They motivate the team to play their best at all times, and push their teammates to go above and beyond on and off the ice. As they continue to lead this team for the rest of the season, we hope that more great accomplishments will come from them and the team.
