The Blue Hens came out with a sweep this past weekend against the Colorado State University Rams. This upcoming weekend, January 15th, 16th, and 17th, the team will be facing the Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen on Friday, and the Stony Brook University Seawolves on Saturday and Sunday.
The Hens came back from almost a month off this past weekend, and took advantage of their speed and all opportunities presented to them. They made smart plays, worked as a team, and were able to come up with 6-4 win on Saturday and a 5-4 OT win on Sunday night. We saw goals from Cole Zucker, Mike Conte, Dan Going, Leo Skehan, John Redgate, Max Freeman and Nick Ustaski this weekend.
The last time the Blue Hens played the Dutchmen, we fell 6-2 at home. Both teams came out hard and ready to work for the win. There was a lot of movement and possession of the puck. Unfortunately, Delaware’s shots kept getting denied at the net. Delaware struggled through the Friday night home game, but came out with an exciting 5-3 victory away the next day. The Hens put themselves on the board first, and came out hard. The team brought it home in the third period, after coming out of the second down by one. We look forward to what will happen on Friday night! This past weekend for the Flying Dutchmen, Bryan Hovanec, who had four goals, lead the team to victory against the Drexel University Dragons, 8-3. The key players for LVC, we need to look out for Bryan Hovanec (30), Paul Hefferin (22), and Andy Thurby (20).
As for the rest of the weekend, the team is hosting Stony Brook University. The Blue Hens last played Stony Brook back in early December. Unfortunately, the Seawolves were able to come out with a 5-0 win on Saturday and a 3-2 win on Sunday. In the first game of the series, the Hens couldn’t seem to pull themselves together on the ice. In the final game of the series, Delaware came out much stronger, and ready to put up a good fight. They scored the first two goals of the night, but weren’t able to finish with the win. UD fought hard, and we know they will this weekend. Stony Brook always puts up a good fight for us, so it should be an interesting weekend. On Saturday night, Stony Brook University won against the Liberty University Flames 10-3. Going into this weekend, key players that the Blue Hens need to watch out for are Christopher Ramondelli (65), Kevin McGee (57) and JT Hall (48).
The Hens need to make sure they come out strong and aware of the players around them. We are going to need to make smart decisions, good passes, and continue our success on defense and making make smart plays in front of the opposition’s net. As of now, the point leaders are Cole Zucker (28), John Redgate (27), and Leo Skehan (23).
The player to watch this weekend is Max Freeman. He just recently came off of an injury to his wrist, and has been a key player to the team’s offensive line. He is an aggressive forward, and the Hens are lucky to have him back on the ice. This past weekend he was part of crucial plays and was able to score a great goal during Sunday’s game! We are eager to see more of his skill this coming weekend.
If you can’t make it to the Rust, be sure to keep up with the games through our Twitter page, @UDHockey, this weekend! For Saturday and Sunday’s games, keep an eye out on the Twitter for a link to the live broadcast of the game. We hope see everyone come out and support the Hens! The games for this weekend are at LCV Friday January 15th at 7:00 pm, Home Saturday, January 16th at 5:15 pm, and Sunday, January 17th is Jr. Blue Hen Day, free admission for Jr. Blue Hen Players at 3:30 pm! There will also be a “mites on ice” during the 1st and 2nd intermission, we hope to see you there!
By: Kaitlin Greenstein
