As part of the Fuel's 5th Anniversary celebration, we will be highlighting one of the many memorable players who have donned a Fuel sweater. Throughout the 2018-19 season, be sure to share your favorite Fuel players and memories over the past five seasons on social media while tagging #Fuel5!
#FUEL5 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT PRESENTED BY MARIAN UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS - COLLIN DELIA
Although he only appeared in 10 games with the Fuel, goaltender Collin Delia holds the distinction of being the first former Indy player to see action with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. Over the course of the 2017-18 season, the rookie suited up for all three teams in the Blackhawks system - starting the campaign in the ECHL with the Fuel.
Delia's first professional victory came in a Fuel uniform during a 37-save performance in Estero, Fla. against the Florida Everblades on Oct. 27. The netminder posted a 1-7-2 record in 10 games with the Fuel before getting the call to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs at the beginning of December. After his early struggles, Delia found his stride with the IceHogs, finishing the season with a 17-7-4 record, a 2.72 goals against average and a .900 save percentage in 28 games with the IceHogs, posting a 10-1-2 record over his last 13 games to take over Rockford's starter role heading into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
However, before Delia led the IceHogs to a Western Conference Finals appearance, the native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. received a shot with the big club, earning his first NHL recall in late March when injuries took Chicago goaltenders Corey Crawford and Anton Forsberg out of the lineup. On March 29, Delia became the second Fuel alumnus to skate in an NHL game, as he recorded his first NHL victory with 25 saves in a Blackhawks win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Delia has split the 2018-19 campaign between Rockford and Chicago, appearing in 19 games so far for the IceHogs while enjoying a few extended stints on recall with the Blackhawks. In 18 NHL outings this season, the netminder is 6-4-3 with a 3.61 goals against average and a .908 save percentage, stringing together a pair of three-game winning streaks from Dec. 21-29 and Jan. 20 - Feb. 7.
SEASONS WITH FUEL: 2017-18
Games Played: 10
Record: 1-7-2
GAA: 4.12
SV%: .887
About Marian University Indianapolis: Marian University (marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana's 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.
Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 36 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Women's Basketball Championship in 2016 and 2017.