Icepack face University of Kentucky in back-to-back home games

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+.