This past weekend, the boys were up against the University of Rhode Island Rams. The games resulted in a split weekend as the boys executed a strong comeback during game two.
The starting lineup for Friday included #12 Colin Emerich, #23 Devin Jenny, #16 Kevin Felice, #6 Harrison Chuma, #24 Mike Zidansek, and in goal was #30 Stephen East. Friday night’s game was played at the Brad Boss Ice Arena and started off even in the first period, beginning and closing with no score from either team. The second period, URI scored three goals, two of which were back-to-back in the first 3 minutes of the period and the third following a few minutes after. The Blue Hens fought to nip their lead, but were unable to do so. In the third period, URI put another in the net, making the score 3-0, Rams. While it looked like it was going to be a shut-out for URI’s goaltender, Delaware’s forward #26 Brian Ostrander capitalized off of an assist from #22 Mike Nisky and #28 Cole Zucker, to shoot a power play goal. The score was 4-1 in favor of the Rams.
“The boys were looking to snap our losing streak before heading into Thanksgiving break. After a solid first period, URI got three quick goals in the second and we couldn’t bounce back.” When asked why he thought they were unable to score, Marciniak replied, “We had many opportunities, but we couldn’t find a way to get the puck behind their goalie until “Ozzy” [Brian Ostrander] got one on the power play.” – Andrew Marciniak
Saturday night generated a different outcome. The starting line was Zucker, Ostrander, #8 Cam Piorkowski, Zidansek, Jenny, and #1 Chris Ponticello in goal. The first period began and both teams fought to get the lead. 13:57 into the first, URI scored what would be their only goal that game, making the score 1-0. The second period, Delaware wasted no time in tying the game at 1 with a goal from Brian Ostrander off an assist from #13 Chris Mazzella. Both teams remained tied into the third period. Delaware’s #24 Zidansek broke the tie three minutes into the third with assists from Cole Zucker and Piorkowski. With Delaware in the lead, the score was 2-1. The Blue Hens furthered their lead with a goal from #15 Shane Mullin off of an assist from #28 Zucker within the last two minutes of the third period – finalizing the score at 3-1.
Zidansek commented on the win and the weekend’s games, “The score from Friday’s game was not a good representation of our effort. We let up for a 3 minute stretch in the 2nd period and let the game get away from us. Starting in the second period Saturday, I think we played our best hockey of the year so far. Everybody bought into our systems and we were able to climb back into the game and put together a win.” Devin Jenny agreed while adding, “I think Saturday’s game was one of the best games of the season for us. Beating a ranked opponent and outplaying them for the majority of the game showed up that we can compete with the top 20 teams in the country. It was a big win for us heading into the break.”
The boys were able to learn from their mistakes on Friday and pull out a win on Saturday going into break. The boys are off for Thanksgiving, but will return for a home game on December 1st against University of Pittsburgh on the home ice, the Fred Rust Ice Arena. The Friday night against Pitt will be the team’s annual Military Night, all the proceeds from the game will benefit the United Heroes League. And for Saturday’s game, be sure to find the team in Trabant all week between 12:30 and 2:30 raffling off some amazing prizes that will be announced at their second annual Hockey Holidays game. When asked how the team would prepare for the home game, goalie Chris Ponticello replied, “We need to build off our win this weekend and keep that style of play for every team we face the rest of the season.” Follow your team and stay updated by following us on social media!
The team would like to wish all of their fans, families and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! They hope you have a safe holiday, and look forward to seeing you all back at the Rust for the last home games of 2017!
Twitter: @udhockey
Instagram: @udicehockey
Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
Written by: Daniella Fioretti
