Icepack Splits Series with Navy after Fort Bragg Loss

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – NC State split its series with the U.S. Naval Academy after a 6-2 loss at Fort Bragg in Saturday’s matinee. 

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS

Nick Shook and Jack Ray both returned to Cleland Ice Rink, where they’ve previously played, both starting for the Icepack. Ethan Roberts also got the start in goal in his return to Fort Bragg, where he has played before, and his dad previously served.  

The first period was physical and fast-paced, carrying over the intensity from Friday night’s matchup. Despite some scrums and several heavy hits, no penalties were called in the opening period. Ray scored his first goal with the Icepack with 10 seconds remaining in the period, giving NC State a 1-0 lead. Zach Herman and Jack Ammons assisted on the goal. 

The Midshipmen tied the game early in the second period. Nick Librizzi was called for tripping, and Erik Dahlin joined him in the penalty box just over a minute later, forcing NC State to defend a 54-second two-man disadvantage. The Icepack killed off the remainder of Librizzi’s penalty, but Navy scored on the remainder of their power play to take the lead. The Midshipmen added another goal two minutes later and carried a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.  

Daniel Prazma scored less than a minute into the third period to pull NC State within one, but Navy responded with two goals shortly after. Isaac Tawyer replaced Roberts in goal with 6:51 remaining. NC State later pulled Tawyer for an extra attacker, and Butler Chessen completed a hat trick with an empty-net goal. 

The Icepack generated several scoring chances but were unable to convert consistently. NC State finished the weekend with a split after shutting out the Midshipmen on Friday night.