This past weekend, the University of Delaware D1 Men’s Hockey Team celebrated a big win against the Penn State University Berks. The game took place Friday night in Reading, PA with an 8:30pm puck drop. After the previous weekend’s loss, the 8-3 win against the Berks was a warmly-welcomed win for the team.
The Blue Hens set the tone for the game with a goal from forward #39 Pierce Lamberton within 5 minutes of the first period. The goal was assisted by #16 Kevin Felice and #20 Ian Anderson. After that, the goals kept rolling in for Delaware. 6:43 into the first, forward #9 Greg Jandoli capitalized off of a play from #16 Kevin Felice and #39 Pierce Lamberton, making the score 2-0. Only a few minutes later, #22 Mike Nisky scored off assists from #12 Colin Emerich and #13 Chris Mazzella. Nearing the end of the first period, Jandoli put another one in the net assisted by Felice and Lamberton. The teamwork on the ice allowed Delaware to dominate the first period, going into the second with a score for 4-0. When asked how the team produced such a lead, Jandoli responded, “We kept things simple on the ice. We took advantage of our opportunities and stayed out of the box.”
In the second period, the Penn State Berks were able to take advantage of an opportunity to put one in the net, making the score 4-1. But this didn’t scare the Blue Hens — the team stayed calm and 8 minutes and 10 seconds into the second, Felice put one on the board with help from teammates #37 Jack Zimmer and Anderson, increasing the Blue Hen lead 5-1. Mazzella cashed in on an opportunity from Nisky and captain #24 Mike Zidansek, furthering the lead 6-1. The chances were looking slim for the Berks. They were able to throw another goal on the board, but couldn’t catch up to Delaware. The second period ended with a score of 6-2.
The Blue Hens came out strong in the third, managing to keep out the Berks until 12:50 into the third period, producing a score of 6-3. Delaware quickly remedied that when a minute later, Felice scored his second goal of the night assisted by Jandoli and Anderson. Mazzella also scored his second of the night with literally seconds left in the game, beating the Penn State University Berks with a final score of 8-3.
#39 Pierce Lamberton shared his thoughts on the win stating, “We stuck to our style of hockey and didn’t allow ourselves to panic. We started fast and were able to push through any adversities to keep dominating the game.” When asked how the team was going to prepare for next weekend’s game against rival team Liberty University, Pierce responded, “We have to focus on how we can get better without worrying about who is on the other end of the rink. If we prepare the right way and play up to our potential, we’re a dangerous group no matter who we play.”
Come join the team at their official home opener in the Fred Rust Ice Arena this Friday, October 5 for a 7pm puck drop and Saturday October 6 for Breast Cancer Night at 3:45pm. The Blue Hens will be up against the Liberty University Flames. Follow us on social media to keep up with the team!
Twitter: @udhockey
Instagram: @udicehockey
Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
Written by: Daniella Fioretti
