As the final buzzer sounds and the last game of his college hockey career comes to a close, Ryan Luppe can’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. Four years of early morning practices, grueling workouts, and intense games have flown by in the blink of an eye. But as he looks back on his time with the Delaware hockey team, he knows that he wouldn’t trade it for anything. From his hometown of Venetia, PA, Ryan’s passion for hockey started at a young age. With his father working for the Pittsburgh Penguins, he grew up around the sport and laced up his first pair of skates at the age of three. From there, Ryan’s love for hockey only grew stronger. He played for the Southpointe Rink Rats before he earned his spot on the Delaware hockey team.
When asked why he chose Delaware, Ryan cites the campus and team atmosphere as two of the main factors that drew him in. And over the course of his four years with the team, Ryan has had no shortage of memorable moments. But one that stands out above the rest was winning against Stony Brook at home during his junior year. As a left winger for the Delaware team, Ryan describes himself as loud and disciplined. But his role on the team extends beyond his position on the ice. As an upperclassman and assistant captain, Ryan has taken on the responsibility of being a leader for the younger players on the team. He knows firsthand how tough college hockey can be, and he was dedicated to showing the younger players the work ethic and dedication required to succeed. But Ryan’s dedication to hockey isn’t his only impressive accomplishment. As a health behavior science major, he’s managed to balance the demands of college athletics with the demands of his academic program. And looking ahead to the future, Ryan has his sights set on a career in sales.
Through it all, Ryan knows that his parents have been his biggest inspiration. They’ve been there every step of the way, supporting him through the ups and downs of his hockey career. And as he prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of his life, Ryan’s advice to his teammates is simple: cherish every moment.Â
For Ryan, his time with the Delaware hockey team has been about more than just the wins and losses. It’s been about the friendships he’s made, the lessons he’s learned, and the memories he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life. As he hangs up his skates and prepares to graduate, Ryan Luppe can be proud of all that he’s accomplished both on and off the ice.
Written by Olivia O’Donnell
