Icepack beats Maryland 4-1 to close homestand

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State closed its homestand with a 4-1 win over Maryland on Friday night. 

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

Jake Gifford opened the scoring 4:51 into the first period with a power-play goal assisted by Jack Ammons and Erik Dahlin. It was only the second time this season that the Icepack has struck first. Reece Johnson added a goal in the final minutes of the period, firing in off a face-off from alternate captain Joey Gouveia to make it 2-0. 

During the first period intermission, Johnson said the team’s focus was on sustaining momentum. “We were kind of planning to ride the momentum, but also build up,” he said. “We've got some big games coming up, so obviously coming off a big sweep, we took Kentucky, but just kind of trying to keep that going.”

The teams split goals in the second period. Daniel Prazma scored his second goal of the season with assists from Dahlin – his second of the night – and captain Zach Herman. Maryland capitalized on a 4-on-4 play following a pair of matching minors to score their only goal of the night. 

Gouveia added his first goal of the season early in the third, converting on a power-play with help from Herman and alternate Nick Librizzi. NC State’s special units were efficient, killing all three Maryland power plays and scoring on both of its own opportunities. 

Head coach Tim Healy praised goaltender Pieter Bartelse, who made his first full-game start against the Terrapins. “He's very mentally level. He's very mature. And so he's able to stay concentrated,” Healy said. “He likes to play the puck a lot. So even in that first period where he wasn't getting a lot of shots, he's coming out to play the puck, so that helps keep you engaged.”

Healy also credited the Icepack’s depth. “We have the ability to bring in fresh legs that are good,” he said. “That makes a world of difference. It goes a long way to realistically perform a weekend set with that depth.”

NC State begins its road stretch Saturday at Virginia Tech in Lynchburg, Va. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.