Icepack Dominates GovCup with 7-0 Win over UNC

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Icepack dominated the annual Governor’s Cup matchup from start to finish, scoring seven goals as goaltender Ethan Roberts posted his first shutout of the season. 

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

Governor Josh Stein performed the ceremonial puck drop alongside Mr. and Ms. Wuf. The Lenovo Center was packed with fans from both schools, generating immense energy throughout the night. This game marked the third meeting between NC State and UNC this season, with each team entering the matchup with one win. 

The Icepack controlled the first period, scoring three goals in the final five minutes to seize momentum heading into intermission. Holden Koufman slipped past UNC’s goaltender to score the opening goal for the second straight year. Joey Gouveia added an unassisted goal with two minutes left, and a minute later, Mason Payne tallied his second of the season.

NC State’s Jack Ammons extended the lead in the second, scoring off assists from Reece Johnson and Andrew Throndson, the second assist of the night for both. The goal triggered a goaltender change for the Tar Heels. The period also featured two sets of matching penalties as tempers flared as the deficit deepened. Alternate captain Nick Librizzi scored the Icepack’s fifth unanswered goal of the night with help from Michael Ranaldi and Austin Finch. 

The Icepack added two more goals in the closing minutes of the third period. Throndson buried a shot from the blue line for his third point of the night, and Gouveia scored the final goal off a pass from Zach Herman. 

Despite scoring seven goals, NC State generated several additional high-quality chances through efficient playmaking and strong chemistry, fueled by an energized home crowd. 

Johnson returned from injury and contributed two assists. Roberts earned the first star of the night for his shutout performance, with Gouveia named second star and Throndson third.

With the win, the Icepack claimed the season series against UNC and will keep the Governor’s Cup in Raleigh. NC closes the semester 13-5-1, with one more off-record game against the Carolina Hurricanes’ alumni before heading home for winter break. Tickets for the Canes Alumni and Icepack rematch can be found here.