It’s the final weekend of UD Hockey’s regular season, and the team is battling the West Chester University Golden Rams at the Fred Rust on Friday at 6:15 and Saturday at 5:25.
This past weekend then Hens swept the RMU Colonials in two too-close-for-comfort games. On Friday night, Delaware came back in the third period to win the game with a minute and 44 seconds left to play. Goals were scored by Chris Mazzella, Harrison Good, Harrison Chuma, Cole Zucker, and the game winner went to Mike Redgate. On Saturday, the Hens had no goals on the board all the way until halfway through the third period. But then, something clicked. Able to tie the score at 3, with goals by Brian Ostrander, Ethan Docking, and Shane Mullin, the Hens and the Colonials went into overtime. After the 5 minutes expired, the teams went into a shootout. RMU went first, and “Stonewall Steve” blocked the shot. Michael Nisky was up for UD, and scored, putting the Hens up by 1. RMU choked on their next shot, and Redgate was up for the home team, but missed. All East had left to do was block the shot and the game was over, and lucky for us, that’s just what he did! The Hens won the game 4-3. Once the team found their groove this weekend, the ice was electric.
West Chester is coming off of a one game weekend against Villanova. After making a comeback in the third, the Rams lost in a shootout. In order to be successful this weekend, the Hens need to stick to their good, ole’ Delaware style of play. They need to continuously make clean passes and take advantage of every opportunity in front of the Rams’ net. It is imperative that the Hens stay out of the box, and work hard on the power play.
Player to watch for the weekend is #1 Chris Ponticello! Only a sophomore, Chris is one of the goalies for the team, and has started to come into his own between the pipes. Ponti has stepped up in crucial situations for the team, and has made 262 saves so far this season. His save percentage is .897, and his record is 6-2. The team looks forward to seeing what he has to offer in the years to come!
Saturday is the last game of the season, which means it’s senior night. Be sure to come to the rink as we celebrate the five guys who have dedicated the past four years to the Delaware hockey program.
As always, keep up with the team on social media for all updates on what they’re doing.
Twitter: @udhockey
Instagram: @udicehockey
Facebook: University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Ice Hockey
Written By: Analisa Vizzoni
