It was a disappointing weekend for the University of Delaware D1 men’s hockey team after a weekend series against the University of Rhode Island Rams. With two back-to-back close-scoring games, the Blue Hens lost in overtime on Friday night and lost 1-0 on Saturday.
Friday’s game started at 7:00 pm at the Brad Boss Ice Arena in Kingston, Rhode Island. The first goal, scored by Gavin Hulser off of Jake Nimeh and Cam Piorkowski, started the game off looking promising for the Blue Hens three and a half minutes into the first period. Jack Zimmer, cashing in on an assist from Pierce Lamberton and Brian Ostrander, pushed the Delaware lead 2-0. Unfortunately, URI was able to score three consecutive goals in Delaware’s net, generating a 3-2 lead for the Rams heading into the second period.
Both teams felt the heat as URI struggled to maintain their lead and the Blue Hens battled to tie the game. No goals were scored in the second period.
13 minutes into the third period, Ethan Docking unassistedly shot the puck past the Rams’ goalie, tying the score and throwing the game into overtime.
With a minute and fifteen seconds left in overtime, the Rams broke the tie, winning game one 4-3.
“It’s a tough loss. To go up 2 or 3 goals to have Rhode Island battle back and tie the game, then later win in overtime — it’s hard to swallow. I thought we played a good game for 50 minutes but having that 10-minute lapse is costly and it showed on Friday. We have to learn to play a full 60-minute hockey game in order to come out on top.” – Jake Nimeh
Game two started at 4 pm and the Blue Hens were fighting to at least split the weekend. Both teams held their own as there was no scoring in the first or second period. As the game neared closer to the end of regulation, it was looking like the teams would have to go into a second day of overtime. However, the 0-0 tie was broken when 11 minutes into the third period, URI put one on the scoreboard, taking the lead and finalizing the score 1-0.
It was an unfortunate loss for the Blue Hens as both games were extremely close. Next weekend, the team will be taking on Robert Morris on February 1st and 2nd, and Duquesne University on February 3rd!
Be sure to tune in to this weekend’s live streams and cheer on your Blue Hens!
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Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
