After over 70 games played as a University of Delaware Blue Hen, Jake Nimeh has officially completed his undergraduate time here. Not only that, but his time as team president has also come to an end. Number 25 plays as a center and three words to describe him on the ice would be competitive, fast, and backhand. He is from Allentown, PA and is a biology major on a pre-med track. Nimeh started playing for his school’s youth team, the Parkland Trojans, when he was around 9 years old. Through his Dad’s love for the sport and watching his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, win the Stanley Cup, Jake fell in love with the game. In fact, his favorite player at the time was Maxime Talbot, which is why he chose the number 25. Nimeh’s favorite team memory was their last game, the ESCHL championship game against Stony Brook. Because it was one of the biggest rivalry championship games, the competitiveness and game play was off the charts. Emotions and adrenaline were running high from start to end. “For the first time, I saw a group of 25 guys come together closer than ever and give every ounce they had, and that was special for everyone,” Jake said.
There were a few reasons that made Nimeh choose the University of Delaware. Since he wanted to become a doctor, he saw that Delaware had a good biology program with connections to medical schools in the area. He also liked the location because his parents could still come watch him play regularly. After touring the campus and Fred Rust arena, Jake fell in love with Delaware immediately.
“My biggest hockey achievement thus far has been being able to play with such a great group of guys and forming a brotherhood that will last a lifetime” – Jake Nimeh
His two favorite teams to play against are the Stony Brook Seawolves and Liberty University Flames. Fans can always count on intense games with the Blue Hens face off against those two teams. In his past four years at the University of Delaware, Jake has learned that college goes by too fast and it’s easy to take things for granted until it’s over. As for advice for his current team members he said, “Soak up every moment. Embrace every practice and hang out with the boys as much as possible. Create a lot of memories because memories are the little things that will stick with you when it’s all said and done.” Not only was Jake lucky enough to be president for the team but he also took on the role of being one of the assistant captains as well. In this role, he wanted to be an example, especially when it came to balancing school and hockey and making both a priority. Nimeh wanted to put emphasis on the details of the game and be vocal on the ice. On the bench, he wanted to be positive and encouraging. As for the younger players, he wanted to help them play and live ACHA hockey on and off the ice.
Jake’s biggest inspirations are his parents. Both of his parents have worked extremely hard in their lives to get to where they are and have followed their dreams to fulfillment. He hopes to be able to emulate their hard work, determination, and passion in his life. Nimeh plans to return to Delaware for one more year. He will be conducting research about concussions in sports and also furthering his application to medical school. We look forward to having Jake here at the University for one more year and look forward to all his accomplishments in the future!
