Team celebrates with goalie Bobby Kennedy after their win over the University of Delaware. Sewell, N.J. Saturday, September 13, 2025. (Contributor / Antonette Dietz)
Rowan University sophomore goalie, Bobby Kennedy, absolutely stole the show Saturday night, stopping 28 of the 29 shots in a 2-1 win over the University of Delaware (UDel) in their home opener at Hollydell Ice Arena.
Rowan has started the season red hot, winning all three games they’ve played. The other two wins came from road games against Millersville University and Saint Joseph’s University.
Kennedy, who didn’t play any games for the Profs in net last season, earned the starting position over the offseason. His confidence throughout the game never wavered, as he just tried to stick to what he’s found consistency in.
“Getting to the rink early and trying to warm up the same way every time is what has been really helping me,” said Kennedy.
But it wasn’t easy for Kennedy to get to where he is now. He had to battle back from an ACL tear and put tons of work in the offseason, which the team noticed, including assistant coach Ian Kliewe.
“He’s learning how to be consistent…Injuries happen, but consistency gets you healthy,” Kliewe said. “Everyone gets to train in the off-season, but consistency gets you better.”
Although Rowan didn’t strike in the first period with a goal, they looked more dominant team on the ice. This carried through all the way until the final buzzer.
In the second period, the Profs got on the board as freshman Riley Capecci put one in the back of the net with nine minutes left.
UDel would tie it just minutes later, but Rowan answered back almost immediately with a deflection from senior assistant captain Josh Bianchi.
The defense was able to shut down a lot of the Blue Hens’ opportunities to score, as well as generate some of their own chances on offense.
Sophomore Zander Robinson made his presence felt on both ends. Robinson has kicked off the season strong, with two goals and picked up an assist against UDel.
“We have good chemistry out there right now and a lot of bounces are going our way due to us working hard,” Robinson said. “So I think if we keep our feet moving, we’re gonna keep getting those bounces.”
The group has been clicking well, and it’s clear to see. Robinson credited Kennedy for his performance against UDel.
“It’s great when you have Bobby [Kennedy] behind you stopping all those pucks,” Robinson said. “But for us, we’re just playing desperate right now, making sure we’re laying out for pucks.”
Despite the team being young with 14 freshmen, Kliewe credits this for being able to find their identity so early on in the season.
“Still early in the season and a long way to go with a very young team,” Kliewe said. “We’re taking it week by week and I think that is allowing us to stay on task.”
The Profs will now go back on the road to face West Chester University on Sept. 19 at Ice Line.
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