The next chapter in the rivalry between the Blue Hens and the Rhode Island Rams will take place this weekend at the Fred Rust ice arena. The Blue Hens will get a sneak peek at what awaits them at the ESCHL tournament.
The last time the Blue Hens faced the Rams was in October. They managed to split the series and ended up outscoring the Rams 7-5.
The Rams are coming off a couple losses against Stony Brook. After the two wins, Stony Brook was able to regain the lead in the ESCHL.
Currently, Stony Brook is the division leader with 30 points. Rhode Island is in second place with 28 points. The Blue Hens are in third place with 16 points, and are 12 points out of a first round bye.
The Blue Hens do have an advantage in the fact that they have 5 more divisional match ups left. Rhode Island only has two left, both of course against Delaware. So, in fact, Delaware still has control of their own destiny in whether or not they can get that first round bye.
Of course, the Blue Hens don’t need the extra motivation to play Rhode Island. “Rhode Island is always an important game,” said Senior Gabriel Colona. “They are a rival of ours and the games are always intense. Last year, one of our games ended in a brawl so we know every game is going to be intense.”
Rhode Island’s offense has plenty of firepower. They have five players with ten or more goals. Ray Boudiette and A.J. Chua are two of the top 5-point getters in the ESCHL. Ray Boudiette is sitting on an uneven 19 goals and is looking to get that 20th goal.
Rhode Island also has the advantage of starting one of the best goalies in the nation in Andrew Sherman. If Andrew plays this weekend, it will be his 30th start of the season. His 2.08 GAA is the second best in the ESCHL.
The Blue Hens have some impressive firepower in their own right. Freshman Cole Zucker is currently tied for eighth in the ESCHL for goals, despite the fact he has only played in 23 games for the Blue Hens.
Freshman Max Freeman and Sophomore John Redgate have also proven to be point per game players. Sophomore Vinny Zingarelli has also been on a hot streak recently for the Blue Hens. He has scored 4 goals in the nine games since the Winter Break.
Sophomore Dylan Troiano is having a great season in net. His 2.48 GAA is good for fourth in the ESCHL.
When preparing for the game, Colona said that the Blue Hens have to be ready for Rhode Island’s fast start. “We always expect them to come out hard. We know they are going to come out crazy and they are always excited to try and beat us.”
The schedule for this weekend’s games are as followed:
Fri, Feb 06- Rhode Island @ 9:15 PM
Sat Feb 07- Rhode Island @ 5:15 PM
By: Tyler Fitzpatrick
