The Delaware Blue Hens (13-9-0) ended the fall portion of their 2017-18 season on a winning note with a 2-1 triumph over the Rowan Profs (8-9-0) on Saturday evening (Dec. 9) at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, N.J.
The Profs established a physical tone early, as Hens’ leading scorer Stephen Bryson fell victim to an open-ice check in the first minute of play. Â Despite Bryson’s return to action after missing a few shifts, Â the first goal of the game did not come until the 16th minute of the second period, when RJ LaSpina batted a rebound past Rowan goalie Justin Natiello. Â Peter Kaz recorded the equaliser for Rowan with a top-shelf snap shot from the right point with 2:10 remaining in the middle frame, just nine seconds into a late-period power play.
After Ryan Morse notched a shorthanded breakaway goal to put Delaware up 2-1 midway through the third, it was a heroic effort from goalie Eric Birnberg that protected the Hens’ lead to the final horn. Â The junior netminder from Wayne, N.J. stopped 49 of the 50 shots he faced in victory, including a series of acrobatic saves in the closing minutes of the game.