NC State Forces Overtime, beats Kentucky in Shootout

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State opened its home series against Kentucky with a 4-3 shootout win Friday night at Invisalign Arena. 

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The Icepack fell behind early after the Wildcats scored the game’s first goal in the opening period. Forward Kyler Sun took the first penalty of what turns into a penalty-ridden game at the 8:24 mark, setting the tone for a physical night.  

“We need to be stronger; we need to win battles,” NC State’s Austin Finch told ESPN+ during the first intermission. “We're always in a lot of 50- 50 battles right now, and this is not the same team that we had last weekend.”

Daniel Prazma tied the game 19 seconds into the second period on a power play, but Kentucky controlled the neutral zone and regained the lead before intermission.  

“Yeah, we definitely could be a lot more tough,” Prazma said during the second intermission. “We know that. We're definitely gonna come out with a punch and just kind of go all out and make something happen.” 

Kentucky extended its lead to 3-1 with 12:15 left in regulation. A brawl then sent two players from each side to the penalty box, leading to a flurry of penalties and power-play chances. NC State captain Zach Herman cut the deficit with a power play goal at 3:05, and Erik Dahlin tied the game with 15 seconds left in regulation on a 6-on-5 after goaltender Ethan Roberts headed to the bench. 

The overtime period was scoreless but featured five penalties in the closing seconds, with three Kentucky players and two Icepack players sent off. 

In the shootout, alternate captain Nick Librizzi scored first for NC State before Kentucky answered. Jake Gifford netted the game-winner in sudden death, sealing the 4-3 victory in front of an energized home crowd. 

The Icepack returns to action Saturday night for Icepack After Dark. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:45 p.m. in a rematch against Kentucky.