The University of Delaware Women’s Ice Hockey team has finally hit the ice.
It’s been a long road from announcement of the formation of the program to hitting the ice.
UD had to recruit a full team which includes players Canada, New England, Arizona and even Norway.
"Honestly, lots happened in the last year and a half just one recruiting student athletes that are excited about Delaware, you know, and want to be a part of something new. And we feel like we did a really good job of finding those players and are excited about those players," said head coach Allison Coomey.
The Blue Hens took the ice at the Fred Rust Ice Arena for the first time on September 26, and even though it ended in a 4-1 loss to Long Island University, it was still a victory for the program.
Almost two years after the announcement of the program being created, Division 1 women’s hockey finally was able to call the First State home.
Head coach Allison Coomey says the moment hit her.
"Yeah, it honestly happened before we hit the ice. I actually got pretty emotional in the locker room just looking around at the jerseys, and in realizing that the moment was here,” said Coomey. “And I think the players honestly, I don't think they were expecting me to get emotional, but once we once we hit the ice it's a hockey game and we've prepared for this moment. So trying to get all those emotions out before was important."
Despite losing its first two games, Coomey was pleased with how the team played and battled.
In this first-year, Coomey wants to see the team get better every game, and she saw that the first weekend as the Blue Hens held a 2-0 lead after the first period in their second game, before losing 5-2.
She adds it’s big for the team to focus on the process this season.
Coomey adds it was great to see support from the university leading to and at the first game including having the band there.
The Blue hens complete schedule can be found here.
