University of Delaware Athletics
Ice Hockey Unveils Secondary Winged Helmets
9/29/2026 4:19:00 PM | Ice Hockey
NEWARK, Del. – When people think of the University of Delaware, one of the first thoughts is the famed winged helmets of the football team. A staple for the Fightin' Blue Hens on the gridiron since 1951, the renowned design will make its way to the ice as the Delaware ice hockey program will unveil a secondary winged helmet during the 2026-27 season.
The Blue Hens will wear the new helmets during select games throughout the season, starting with their home-opening series this weekend (Oct. 3-4) against Lindenwood. Puck drop in Saturday's weekend opener is set for 2 p.m. at Fred Rust Ice Arena, and Sunday's contest will start at noon. Fans can take part in a postgame skate with the team on Sunday.
The winged helmet was first developed by Fritz Crisler at Princeton in 1935. Crisler, the head coach of the Tigers' football team, introduced the design so that the Princeton quarterbacks could better distinguish their wide receivers downfield. Michigan began wearing its winged helmet when Crisler was named the Wolverines' head coach in 1938 and David M. Nelson, who played for the Wolverines under Crisler, brought the design to Newark when he was named Delaware's head coach in 1951.
Nelson served as Delaware's head coach from 1951-65 and athletic director from 1951-84. Known as "The Father of the Wing-T" offense, Nelson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2026-27 ice hockey season are on sale now. The Blue Hens will play 15 home games at Fred Rust Ice Arena, including 12 contests against AHA opponents. Season ticket packages are available at 50% off the single-game adult ticket rate. Group rates are also available and a variety of add-on experiences at every home game, including post-game meet-and-greets with players, and much more. For inquiries, please contact the Delaware Ticket Office at athletics-tix@udel.edu or call 302-831-2257.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware ice hockey, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
The Blue Hens will wear the new helmets during select games throughout the season, starting with their home-opening series this weekend (Oct. 3-4) against Lindenwood. Puck drop in Saturday's weekend opener is set for 2 p.m. at Fred Rust Ice Arena, and Sunday's contest will start at noon. Fans can take part in a postgame skate with the team on Sunday.
The winged helmet was first developed by Fritz Crisler at Princeton in 1935. Crisler, the head coach of the Tigers' football team, introduced the design so that the Princeton quarterbacks could better distinguish their wide receivers downfield. Michigan began wearing its winged helmet when Crisler was named the Wolverines' head coach in 1938 and David M. Nelson, who played for the Wolverines under Crisler, brought the design to Newark when he was named Delaware's head coach in 1951.
Nelson served as Delaware's head coach from 1951-65 and athletic director from 1951-84. Known as "The Father of the Wing-T" offense, Nelson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2026-27 ice hockey season are on sale now. The Blue Hens will play 15 home games at Fred Rust Ice Arena, including 12 contests against AHA opponents. Season ticket packages are available at 50% off the single-game adult ticket rate. Group rates are also available and a variety of add-on experiences at every home game, including post-game meet-and-greets with players, and much more. For inquiries, please contact the Delaware Ticket Office at athletics-tix@udel.edu or call 302-831-2257.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware ice hockey, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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