The Delaware Blue Hens have a roster, coach, schedule, and now jerseys to wear for their inaugural NCAA season as members of the Division 1 Atlantic Hockey American conference. The team unveiled their new threads this week as players made their way to campus for the first time. As the 45th program in NCAA women's hockey, Delaware will be guided by Allison Coomey, the program's first ever head coach, supported by assistant coaches Melissa Samoskevich and Taylor Willard. The team also recently announced the hiring of Michel Larocque as goaltending coach. Their 2025-26 schedule will open September 26 and 27 against Long Island University. PLAYERS EXCITED FOR PUCK DROP AND NEW PROGRAM As Delaware's recruits arrive on campus [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/college/with-a-roster-staff-and-schedule-in-place-delaware-is-set-for-inaugural-season-of-ncaa-women-s-hockey], excitement continues to build toward puck drop for the new program. “The opportunity, it was way too good to pass up,” said Tiana McIntyre [https://bluehens.com/news/2025/8/8/tiana-mcintyre-excited-to-be-part-of-delawares-first-ice-hockey-team], a transfer from Quinnipiac University. “It was something that you just can't say no to. To be able to start something, be a part of a brand new team with this group is what I'm very, very excited for." Delaware's 22-player roster will feature players from 11 American states, three Canadian provinces, and Norwegian national team member Ida Haave. Arriving for a variety of reasons, Delaware's incoming cohort are excited to be part of the fledgling program. "I think obviously, one of the biggest reasons is that I like being a part of something new. It's not something that you come by very often," said Francesa Barresi [https://bluehens.com/news/2025/7/11/ice-hockey-francesca-barresi-relishes-opportunity-to-be-a-blue-hen], an NCAA rookie who played for the Ottawa Lady Senators last season. I don't really know what I want to study yet, so knowing that I have a safety net to fall back on with something like 100 majors to choose from. So, I think I found the best of both worlds."
