By: Matthew Colaiacovo
This weekend the #17 Fightin’ Blue Hens are facing off in a home-and-home against #11 Lebanon Valley College. For the month of November the team has been growing out the facial hair all leading up to this Movember Promotion on Friday the 20th. In addition to this promotion, the team encourages all fans to bring non-perishable food donations, in order to support the Food Bank of Delaware during this busy time of year. All donations are encouraged, however canned vegetables, canned fruits, tuna, soup and canned tomatoes. Free admission to the game with 5 donated food items! Now on to the hockey.
Last time Delaware met LVC, the team lost a heartbreaker in a shootout, gaining a point in the standings. Chances were plentiful from both teams, but goalies Dylan Troiano (UD) and Chase Wilson (LVC) both, respectfully, played great games. After falling back in the standings LVC is looking to get back on the winning track, while Delaware looks to ruin those hopes. When these two teams meet again on Friday and Saturday, physicality is going to be the key to success. With the season in full swing, leaders are going to need to step up and make their mark. LVC is not a team that gives away too many penalty minutes and the power play, which has been lacking cohesion, needs to start clicking. One that is a spark plug to the team with his great technical ability is sophomore forward and my player to watch this week, Cole Zucker.
Leading the team with 22 points, 14 goals and 8 assists, Cole Zucker is having a stellar start to his sophomore season. Although it may just be a coincidence that Zucker wears #28, his Claude Giroux-like style of play is what he lets inspire the team. After getting to talk to Cole, I asked him what the team learned from LVC only a short time ago. He said, “Last time we play LVC, who was ranked 11, I think we played one of our best games of the year.  We had the majority chances in overtime but we couldn’t pull out the win.” Many agree with Cole, the game against LVC was a true show of what this Delaware team is about. Regarding this coming weekend, Cole stated, “Friday night’s game we are going to try and shoot the puck more and bare down in front of the net.  In order to beat LVC we are going to have to get dirty, hardworking goals.  If are able to keep our energy level high and bring the momentum from the big win against Liberty, we should have success against LVC.” Delaware is looking to continue to shut down the LVC forwards with aggressive defense in front of net and tactical outlet passes that led to a couple breakaway opportunities 2 weeks ago.
With a big game at the Wells Fargo Center against Drexel on the horizon, Delaware is looking to find success against a tough LVC team. Come spend Friday night at 7pm at the Fred Rust Arena and, once again, bring canned goods so that we can help others during the season of giving. Go Blue Hens!
