Icepack Hosts Maryland Friday, Visits Virginia Tech Saturday

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State will close its home stand against Maryland on Friday before travelling to Lynchburg, Va., on Saturday to face Virginia Tech. 

Freshman forward Jack Ammons, who scored his first career Icepack goal in the Kentucky series, said the team is focused on handling each matchup individually. “I think we kind of just take it one game at a time, focus on the Friday game, and maybe if we have to make some changes for Saturday, we will,” Ammons said. “But just one game at a time.”

Ammons added that playing on the road helps the Icepack stay locked in. “It’s a business trip and you're able to lock in a little bit and just play hockey and not focus on anything else,” he said.

Michael Ranaldi, who also scored his first career Icepack goal against Kentucky, echoed Ammons’ approach. He said the Icepack needs to keep “getting pucks in deep, blocking shots, finishing our hits, and hopefully burying some goals” to secure wins this weekend. 

Both Maryland and Virginia Tech compete in Division 2, but are strong opponents. Maryland recently defeated a Division 1 team, and Virginia Tech brings a physical presence after finishing a tough series against Liberty. 

Head coach Tim Healy said NC State must carry momentum into the weekend and continue building on the progress made this season. “Maryland's coming down here, they're a team that's interested in moving to Division 1,” Healy said. “They want to see if they're ready, so they're going to come down for it.”

Healy also highlighted the rivalry with Virginia Tech, “People ask you, ‘Hey, why have you kept Tech on the schedule?’ Because it's a great rival,” Healy said. “I love that staff up there, and it's a good game.”

Puck drop is at 8:45 p.m. on Friday at Invisalign Arena. Saturday’s game at Lancerlot Sports Complex in Lynchburg is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday’s game will stream on ESPN+.