The team is headed up north this weekend to match up against Syracuse University. Last season when the teams battled it out at the Fred Rust, the series ended in a split. This year they will be playing at the Tennity Ice Arena on Friday night at 6:30 and Saturday afternoon at 2:30. They will also be playing Oswego State on Sunday, October 1st.
Two weekends ago, the Hens split a series with the West Chester Golden Rams. Friday night, the team came out flat and the opponent was able to score 3 goals in the first period. Towards the middle of the second period, the boys found their groove and were able to score once. The Blue Hens dominated shots on net, but just weren’t able to get it past the Rams’ goalie. Saturday, the team came out strong and set the tone for the game. They came out with a 4-2 win.
Syracuse recently completed a series against the Naval Academy that ended in a sweep for the Orange. Last season the Hens and the Orange split the weekend at the Rust. And the Hens’ second competitor for the weekend, Oswego State, split their series against Oakland University. Both teams will be good, tough competition for the Blue Hens.
In order to prepare for the weekend against the Syracuse Orange and Oswego State Lakers, the team must work hard in practice and make the most of their ice time. Assistant captain, Shane Mullin, said, “We need to come out in the first period with an attack mindset and score early. I think that on Friday [against West Chester], we didn’t do that and that is what cost us the game. We need to play a full 60 minutes instead of waking up in the second period when it is too late.”
Player to watch for the weekend is Michael Redgate! In the West Chester weekend, Redgate played a huge part in the team’s success by assisting two crucial goals. Since his debut with the team last season, Mike has been a defining player on the forward line. He always brings great energy on the ice, and never fails to be a key component in major plays.
Be sure to keep up with the team and show your support through social media this weekend! The Hens have their home opener on Saturday, October 7th against the Naval Academy.
Twitter: @udhockey
Instagram: @udicehockey
Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
Written By: Analisa Vizzoni
