 RALEIGH, N.C. – After a hard-fought home-and-home series last weekend, the Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena on Sept. 19 for the first of two conference games against the University of Kentucky.
Freshman defenseman Vinnie Pasquarosa said that the team is motivated and holding itself to a high standard after proving it can compete with top opponents against Liberty last weekend. He believes that the series set the tone for the rest of the season and showed the team what it needs to do to win both matchups this weekend. “We’ve shown that we're not afraid to block shots and play hard in our D-zone and do whatever it takes to get a win,” Pasquarosa said. “If we play with that same mentality and stay disciplined, we’re going to be in a good spot this weekend.” Pasquarosa played in his first game last Saturday and said the rest of the team was “very supportive, very helpful, encouraging, and made it really easy for me to play the way I wanted to play.” He is excited to carry that momentum into both games in front of a home crowd. Saturday’s 10:45 p.m. puck drop may limit attendance, but Pasquarosa said the team can keep focused and earn wins. Like the Icepack, Kentucky made the jump to Division 1 play this season. The Wildcats are 3-0 this season, most recently sweeping the University of North Carolina in back-to-back games. The team is physical, but after facing another tough, physical opponent in Liberty, the Icepack has shown it can match that energy. Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 8:45 p.m. at Invisalign Arena. The Icepack returns on Saturday for a 10:45 p.m. puck drop, themed “Icepack After Dark.” Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
0 Comments
 LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Icepack fell in overtime to No. 4 Liberty on Saturday, closing out a home-and-home series with the Flames at LaHaye Ice Center.
BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS The Icepack, coming off Friday’s opener in Raleigh, traveled to Lynchburg and delivered a strong defensive performance in front of a packed crowd. Goaltender Ethan Roberts played brilliantly, holding Liberty scoreless through regulation before the Flames scored with 1:13 remaining in the sudden-death overtime period. “We knew these games were going to be a battle,” NC State captain Zach Herman told ESPN+ during the first intermission. “Over 60 minutes, every little detail adds up to what’s on the scoreboard. Try to win all the small battles, small details, and we see where it takes us.” Roberts stopped 48 of 49 shots, and the Icepack matched the intensity and pace of the Flames throughout the game. NC State’s penalty kill unit was impressive and a necessary strength of the night, keeping Liberty from scoring on any of their four power plays. The game opened with a fast, physical pace from both teams, a noticeable shift from Friday’s series opener. The Icepack pushed through the neutral zone more effectively and generated more time in their offensive zone. Despite the overtime defeat, NC State left with momentum after a weekend that showcased the team’s ability to hold its own against top-tier opponents. The Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena this weekend for their first ACCHL League Weekend.  RALEIGH, N.C. – The Icepack fell to No. 4 Liberty, 4-2, on Friday night in the first game of a home-and-home series.
BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS Liberty struck first, establishing control over the pace early. The Icepack responded midway through the first period when Nick Librizzi scored on a power play, assisted by Aidan Raedy and Erik Dahlin. Less than two minutes later, Liberty answered with two goals in 33 seconds to take a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. “The game is really fast-paced,” Librizzi told ESPN+ during the break. “If we are half a step quicker, we will be able to break up their plays and have some more offense for ourselves.” The Flames extended their lead less than a minute into the second period, then later added a power-play goal after a roughing penalty on Jake Lipani. Despite the score, NC State settled in and created more offensive pressure during the period. Reece Johnson trimmed Liberty’s lead to 4-1 midway through the third with his first goal of the season. Goaltender Ethan Roberts was pulled in the final two minutes to add an extra skater, but the Icepack was unable to close the gap. Despite the loss, NC State showed improvement against a top Division 1 opponent as the game progressed. The Icepack returns tonight, playing Liberty away in Lynchburg, Va. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., with the game streaming on ESPN+.  RALEIGH, NC – After winning their home opener last Friday, the Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena Sept. 12 for the first of a home-and-home series against Liberty.
Forward Austin Finch recapped the team’s first game and looked ahead to the weekend, focusing on the chance to play his brother, Ryan, for the first time at a collegiate level “I've never played against Ryan before, and I think it'll be good. My family is really excited, and we'll have a lot of people here to watch Ryan,” he said. “It's his first time playing here in Raleigh since he moved away to Cape Cod, so it'll be really good. I'm excited.” Finch said he is looking forward to the chance to put his brother into the boards this weekend and limit any point-scoring potential Ryan has against the Icepack. He also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to earn another win. Despite the season-opening victory against Georgia, Finch admitted the team got off to a slow start. With 16 new members on the roster, he said it is only natural that the group needs time to gel. Still, Finch is optimistic that additional practice, time together, and several off weekends will help strengthen on-ice chemistry. Liberty opened its season with a 4-1 win against West Chester. The Flames have been a tough opponent in past years, and NC State will need to dial in to counter Liberty’s strong offense during the two-game series, which includes Friday’s home matchup and Icepack’s first road test on Saturday. Despite the past struggles with Liberty, Finch said he is confident. “I think the guys get a dub this weekend.” Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 8:45 p.m. at Invisalign Arena. The Icepack will then travel to Lynchburg, Va., for the second game of the series on Saturday. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.  RALEIGH, NC – NC State’s Icepack opened the season with a 2-1 overtime win against the Georgia Dawgs on Friday night.
BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS Isaac Tawyer started in net for the Icepack and kept out 10 shots on goal in the first period to get the game going. The Dawgs came out strong, but a holding penalty on Georgia gave the Icepack a power play, where Jake Gifford capitalized and scored the first goal of the season. Netted at 16:12, the Icepack took control of the game, with Nick Librizzi and Holden Koufman each tallying an assist. Georgia answered 25 seconds into the second, when Truman Haugen netted an unassisted goal on goaltender Ethan Roberts, who had just entered the game. Roberts allowed one goal on 13 shots to keep the game tied. The Dawgs’ defense tightened around goalie Isaac Haugen, and the period ended tied 1-1. Pieter Bartelse took over in net for NC State in the third, which featured four combined penalties and several tangles between teams. The Icepack could not convert on their second power play, and Georgia earned its first man advantage late in the period when Reece Johnson was called for slashing, going after a loose puck. In his debut with the club, Bartelse faced 10 shots between both regulation and overtime play, including notching a secondary assist on the overtime game-winner. NC State held off the Dawgs for the first minute of their power play, sending the game into overtime. The Dawgs opened overtime with the remaining minute of their power play, but the Icepack penalty kill held firm. Moments later, NC State captain Zach Herman buried the game-winner off the post, sealing the victory in his 100th game with the Icepack. NC State (1-0) returns to Invisalign Arena on Sept. 12 to open a Home and Home against Liberty. |