The University of Delaware’s M3 squad put on an offensive clinic Saturday night at Gold Ice Arena, overwhelming visiting Stockton University 9-4 in a high-scoring ECHC conference matchup that saw the Blue Hens fire on all cylinders.
Alex Birchard orchestrated the Delaware attack with a three-point performance, tallying one goal and two assists to extend his impressive season totals. The veteran forward entered the contest with 20 points in 12 games and continued his torrid pace in the decisive victory. Ryan Anatra provided the finishing touch with a pair of goals, while Michael Gibbons contributed a goal and an assist to cap off a balanced scoring effort that saw eight different Delaware players reach the scoresheet.
The Blue Hens’ offensive explosion was supported by strong playmaking from Matt McDermott and Nic Viola, who each registered two assists. McDermott, who had been limited to just three games entering Saturday’s contest, made his presence felt immediately upon his return to the lineup. Connor DaSilva and Gavin Johns also found the back of the net in the convincing triumph.
Between the pipes, Gavin Schornstein weathered the early storm from Stockton, making 15 saves on 19 shots for a .789 save percentage. While the visiting Ospreys managed to find the net four times, Delaware’s relentless offensive pressure proved too much to overcome as the Blue Hens improved to 13-9 overall with their fourth consecutive victory.
The win keeps Delaware in solid position within the ECHC standings as the regular season winds down, with the team’s balanced scoring attack and improved chemistry evident in Saturday’s dominant performance at Gold Ice Arena.