Icepack Beat Alabama in OT on Salute to Service Night

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State secured an overtime win against Alabama on Friday during Salute to Service night. Military veteran and former Icepack player Ellis Rushford conducted the ceremonial puck drop. 

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

In the third of four matchups between the teams this season, Daniel Prazma opened scoring with his 11th goal of the season off of assists from Ben Paterson and Jake Lipani in the first period. Alabama tied it with less than a minute remaining to enter the first intermission knotted at 1. 

“You know their systems, you know a little bit about what to expect,” Prazma said during intermission. “But, at the same time, playing a team four times, mistakes are bound to happen. It’s bound to get chippy. We just go out there, stick with what we do every game.”

Alabama scored early in the second period while the Icepack were on the power play, but Michael Ranaldi answered 40 seconds later to even the score. Joey Gouveia added NC State’s third goal – its second on the power play – off of assists from Reece Johnson and Zach Herman late in the period to take a 3-2 lead into the break. 

The third period remained quiet until late mistakes allowed Alabama to score the equalizer and force overtime. 

Senior Nick Librizzi delivered the game-winner 58 seconds into overtime, taking a pass from Herman off a won faceoff and firing into the top of the slot. Goaltender Ethan Roberts stopped 24 of 27 shots, including several highlight-reel saves, to hold the Tide to three goals. 

NC State and Alabama meet for the fourth and final time this season on Saturday in Charlotte at Truist Field as part of the 704 Outdoor Face Off. Champ the Retriever will handle the ceremonial puck drop.