NC State Opens Weekend Series at Delaware

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State is set for its first overnight weekend road trip as the Icepack travels to face the University of Delaware in a two-game series at Gold Ice Arena. The teams will meet again in January when the Icepack hosts the Blue Hens at Invisalign Arena. 

Goaltender Pieter Bartelse said the team is building momentum heading into the series.  “I know that we're kind of on the upswing now. I think, especially after Saturday,” Bartelse said. “Saturday was definitely more of a complete game. We actually scored a couple of goals, and the special teams look good . . . I think it'll be a good battle. Good test for us.”

Bartelse started his first game with the Icepack against Maryland last Friday and allowed only one goal. He emphasized the importance of staying focused during games. “I don’t let my mind wander at all,” he said. “I like to treat each period as a new game. You don’t want to be carrying negative stuff from period to period.”

The Icepack has faced Delaware 14 times, but this season marks the first meeting against the Blue Hens’ Division 1 team instead of their Division 2 team. NC State has beaten Delaware at Gold Ice Arena in the past and will look to repeat that performance. 

Game one is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, with game two set for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be streamed on Delaware’s YouTube channel.