Hockey season is finally upon us here at the University of Delaware. After a long September training camp the #11 UD Hockey men’s D1 team opens the 2014-2015 season playing host to #2 Robert Morris Illinois. Puck drop is slated for 7 PM at the Fred Rust Ice Arena located on the south campus of the University of Delaware. Expectations are high for UD as the team returns 19 players including all 3 goaltenders from last year’s team. New coach and alum Rocky Romanella is confident that the team will get off to a good start, “Our practices have been fast paced and full of energy, the team is coming together on the ice and we are ready to showcase our progress this weekend.” Some fans may remember RMU-IL is they appeared on UD’s campus during the National Tournament in March. The Eagles fell to #1 Arizona State in the Championship game. The 14-15 roster is very different from last year’s RMU team however, with 13 freshmen on squad this year UD will look to use its veteran presence and leadership to take control of the game early. Some players to watch for UD this weekend will be Seniors Noble Tucker (G), Steve Braun (D), and Marcello DeAngelis (F).
UD will take Saturday off as they prep for a Sunday matinee at #12 Navy. Delaware and Navy have had a long hockey history as the Midshipmen were former members of the ESCHL. Navy has had a pretty good start to their season splitting weekend series with Liberty University and fellow ESCHL foe Rutgers University. Sophomore forward John Redgate had this to say about the weekend, “#2 on Friday and #12 on Sunday, we are up for the challenge and can’t way to show the ACHA what our team is about.”
Friday night’s game will be broadcast live on UStream and also via radio at WVUD 91.3. Stay tuned to @UDhockey on twitter for in game updates and more information. Sunday’s game will feature live updates throughout on our twitter feed. Doors open at 6 PM tomorrow night; get there early as we are expecting a packed Rust arena.
