NC State’s Men’s Health Game and GovCup

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State is set for a second straight weekend of specialty games following the conclusion of last weekend’s series against Alabama. 

On Friday night, the Icepack will recognize men’s health in partnership with the Raleigh Testicular Cancer Foundation. On Sunday, NC State will play a rematch against UNC in the annual Roy Cooper Governor’s Cup. 

Icepack veteran Andrew Throndson says having a game dedicated to men’s health is meaningful. “It means a lot,” Throndson said. “It’s supporting a good cause and helping men speak out for their health.”

Although Sunday’s game is a rematch of the Triangle rivalry and will be played on the Carolina Hurricanes’ ice at the Lenovo Center, Throndson says the Icepack is not overlooking its first opponent, George Mason. “We can’t look too far ahead,” he said. “We have to play George Mason first, even though we’re definitely looking forward to playing UNC.”

George Mason enters the weekend 11-6. The only common opponent the Patriots and the Icepack have played is West Virginia, with both teams sweeping a two-game series against the Mountaineers. Despite a two-game losing streak, the Patriots remain evenly matched with NC State. 

Sunday’s game against UNC will be played at Lenovo Center on the same ice used by the Hurricanes. Throndson said sticking to their structure will be key. “We need to play simpler and stick to our systems,” he said. “We just need to play our hockey.”

NC State is 5-2 against the Tar Heels in the annual competition. “It was a lot of fun, super exciting,” Throndson said about playing GovCup in the past. “It’s definitely nice having all the fans there, and we’re just excited to play in front of them again.”

Friday’s game against George Mason will be held at Invisalign Arena with an 8:30 p.m. puck drop. Students who attend will receive free tickets to Sunday’s Governor’s Cup. Sunday’s matchup at the Lenovo Center is scheduled for 5 p.m. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.