University of Delaware Announces 2024-25 Roster with Mix of Returning Talent and Fresh Faces

As the 2024-25 season approaches, the University of Delaware Blue Hens are gearing up with a well-rounded roster that blends experienced returning players with promising new recruits. Headlined by several key returning forwards and defensemen, the team is set to make a strong push in the upcoming season, building on last year's performances.

Returning Forwards: Among the forward group, Griffen O’Shaughnessy, Kyle Kosh, and Michael DePrisco lead the charge. O’Shaughnessy, last season’s top scorer with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games, will be counted on once again for his offensive prowess. Kosh and DePrisco also return, adding valuable experience to the front lines. DePrisco, despite only playing in 15 games last season, still managed to post 14 points, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

New Forwards: The Blue Hens welcome six new forwards, each bringing their own unique skill set. Ryan Anatra (Long Island Arrows 18U AAA) and Cam Raifstanger (Berkshire School) headline the incoming recruits. Anatra brings goal-scoring ability, having posted 13 goals in 21 games last season, while Raifstanger is known for his playmaking, tallying 15 assists in 30 games.

Returning Defensemen: On the blue line, Connor Brooks and Ty Vastola return to anchor the defense. Brooks, who contributed 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) last season, will be a key player in transitioning the puck and providing offensive support. Veterans like Matt Crowell and Gavin Johns round out a steady defensive core.

New Defensemen: Four new defensemen join the fold, including Colin Healey from the New Jersey Rockets (USPHL-Elite) and Ian Afzelius from Friends Academy. Afzelius was a standout last season, leading his team’s defensemen in assists with 7 in just 10 games.

Goaltending: The Blue Hens will have consistency between the pipes with three goaltenders from last season returning: Nathan DeRoche, Andrew Gatti, and Gavin Schornstein. DeRoche led the team in total saves, assists, and minutes played, while Gatti boasted the best goals-against average (GAA) and save percentage, making him a key asset.

University of Delaware is looking to rebound from a tough 2023-2024 season in which they finished last in all of DI and faced a challenging Pool A at the National Championship. The Blue Hens squared off against the University of Tampa, the University of Georgia, and SUNY-Cortland, going 0-3 in pool play. Despite the losses, Delaware gave top-seeded Tampa a serious scare in their opening game, ultimately falling 8-6. During the playoffs, Griffen O’Shaughnessy led the team with an impressive 4 goals and 1 assist over 3 games.

With this season's mix of returning talent and promising new recruits, Delaware is focused on turning the page and making a fresh start in the 2024-25 season. Returning forwards like O’Shaughnessy, Kyle Kosh, and Owen Cunningham bring critical experience, while newcomers such as Ryan Anatra and Cam Raifstanger will look to make an immediate impact. The team’s defense has also strengthened with the return of Connor Brooks, Matt Crowell, and others, plus the addition of fresh talent like Colin Healey and Quinn Scribner. In net, Nathan DeRoche, Andrew Gatti, and Gavin Schornstein return, providing stability between the pipes.

The Blue Hens are determined to make the most of this new roster and leave last season's disappointments behind.