Game 2 against the Cards. 7:15 warmup, 7:45 puck drop.

Run it Back

Get your tickets now for final show of the weekend 👇🏼https://t.co/fdzNVYWvUu pic.twitter.com/fDdCkMQvsJ

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 15, 2022

Pack blast Louisville tonight, with 8 different scorers finding the net. Tawyer with his first career shutout. Louisville definitely a bit slower tonight, but that tends to happen to most opponents who have to play us back to back nights. Still a solid pair of wins to bolster the resume. Pack will be back home next Friday against Virginia Tech, a game which will likely determine the ACCHL regular season title. Then on the road Saturday at UNC Wilmington.

Another W in the books 🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/W06vBcdtPi

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 16, 2022

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds is the proud host of the ACCHL Championship tickets on sale!
Who: Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League

When: February 18th-20th, 2022

Where: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex

Tickets:

Tournament passes (All 3 days)

Adults $20 Students $10

Tickets per day:

Adults $10 Students $5 18 and under FREE

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds welcomes back the ACC Hockey League Championship Tournament for its 3rd consecutive year at the Annex. Last year the Annex hosted 16 teams from across the east coast with the NC State Wolfpack claiming last year's championship.

Game Schedule:

Friday Games: 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm (Quarterfinals)

Saturday Games: 12:00 pm *(w), 2:30 pm *(w), 5:00pm, 8:00pm (Semifinals)

Sunday Game: 11:00 am *(w), 1:30 pm (Championship)

ALL SEATING IS GENERAL ADMISSION FOR THE TOURNAMENT

*(w) indicates first ever ACC Women's Championship Tournament Games

DOOR TIME is 30 min before the FIRST SCHEDULED Game of each day

All games will be broadcasted on HPU Hockey's Youtube

Icepack1, do you know the severity of the injury to Colby Pederson? I saw him have to be helped off the ice when he was injured, and it didn't look good. And I don't think he played at all in the last game.

GuerrillaPack said:

---

Icepack1, do you know the severity of the injury to Colby Pederson? I saw him have to be helped off the ice when he was injured, and it didn't look good. And I don't think he played at all in the last game.

---

Per coach, it's a meniscus injury. They haven't made a decision on surgery, but he'll miss a chunk of time either way. The goal would be to get him back for Nationals in mid march; we have more than enough forward depth to replace him for the remainder of the regular season and ACCHL Tournament. There's no reason to rush him back.

Saw him walking around the rink quite a bit during the two games against Louisville. Spoke to him briefly after the game Friday and he seemed generally upbeat about it. He's gone after this season (has a good job lined up after graduation), so my guess is he really wants to get back to help us compete for a national title.

Icepack1 said:

---

GuerrillaPack said:

---

Icepack1, do you know the severity of the injury to Colby Pederson? I saw him have to be helped off the ice when he was injured, and it didn't look good. And I don't think he played at all in the last game.

---

Per coach, it's a meniscus injury. They haven't made a decision on surgery, but he'll miss a chunk of time either way. The goal would be to get him back for Nationals in mid march; we have more than enough forward depth to replace him for the remainder of the regular season and ACCHL Tournament. There's no reason to rush him back.

Saw him walking around the rink quite a bit during the two games against Louisville. Spoke to him briefly after the game Friday and he seemed generally upbeat about it. He's gone after this season (has a good job lined up after graduation), so my guess is he really wants to get back to help us compete for a national title.

---

Bummer, but hopefully he can get back in a few weeks. Thanks for the update.

Big week with 2 ACCHL league games. Friday's home game against VT will more than likely decide the ACCHL regular season title. Go grab your tickets, should be a good game.

❗️GAME WEEK ❗️

Buy your tickets now to Friday’s game against Virginia Tech! https://t.co/jL8oM6rJc1 pic.twitter.com/Ku9Re95Avk

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 18, 2022

Icepack retake the top ranking in the southeast region after splitting with Liberty and sweeping Louisville. The Pack will need to continue to rack up convincing wins over the next few weeks, as we will not be winning any strength of schedule battles with Liberty and Florida Gulf Coast.

First M2 Rankings of 2022 sees a Wild, Wild, West

The West Region sees a huge shakeup as the first rankings of 2022 is released

Logan, UT. The Big Mountain Classic Showcase brought together some of the best teams in the West Region, and the weekend created some major movement in the Top 20 as the new rankings were released today. MSU-Denver rose six spots, jumping from #10 to #4. East Texas Baptist University moved back into the running for Regional spot coming at #8. Weber State continues to climb the rankings as they settled in at #7 up from #9 before the semester break.

In the Southeast Region, the top three teams are fighting for two autobid spots, and it is getting tighter and tighter, with the separation at only 0.6 points. North Carolina State retook the top spot, after losing it in the last ranking. Lurking in 3rd is FGCU, whose remaining schedule has the potential to provide the largest upward trend in the SOS (Strength of Schedule) of the three team. Indiana University makes their first appearance in the Top 10, as they pass fellow TSCHL team Ohio State.

The Northeast Region saw the least amount of movement as 8 of the top 10 teams remaining the same from the previous ranking. Bentley University did secure the #9 spot for the, moving up from #12. This ranking saw Army move the highest ranking ever in the ACHA, as they come in at #6.

Lastly, the Central Region continues to see Lindenwood and Iowa State securely in the top two spots, with Gustavus Adolphus continuing to be the surprise of the region. The WCCHA continues to have the most teams represented, with five teams in the Top 20.

There are four rankings remaining, with the final ranking period ending on Sunday, February 13th. The top two teams in each region will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 National Championships. The #3-#10 seeds will have a guaranteed spot in their respective Regional Tournament. The final four teams in each regional will be selected from either League Autobids or at large teams, depending on League tournaments.

Full M2 Rankings

Southeast Top 20:
#1 North Carolina State University
#2 Liberty University
#3 Florida Gulf Coast University
#4 Miami University
#5 Rowan University
#6 Penn State University
#7 University of Kentucky
#8 University of Delaware
#9 Rider University
#10 Indiana University
#11 Ohio State University
#12 University of Cincinnati
#13 Virginia Tech
#14 University of North Carolina
#15 University of Michigan
#16 Millersville University
#17 Ohio University
#18 University of Pennsylvania
#19 University of Louisville
#20 Bryn Athyn College

The top ranked Pack are back in action at home against #13 Virginia Tech. We're the only remaining teams unbeaten in ACCHL play, so this one almost certainly will decide the regular season title. Another opponent we shouldn't have too much trouble with if we show up and play our game. Coach has confirmed we're a go for tonight, so come on out for some great hockey.

❗️Pack the barn tonight❗️

It’s not too late to grab your tickets! https://t.co/jL8oM6rJc1 pic.twitter.com/OngSXVA3rA

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 21, 2022

Chris Solomon (concussion), Colby Pederson (knee), and Zack Robinson (Covid) all out tonight. Our depth will be tested, but I'd rather figure it out now than in March.

For those who can't make it, the Icepack are now on TV! In addition to the PackTV stream, newly launched WRAL Sports Plus will carry all Icepack home games, available on over the air channel 34.1 or on https://t.co/VGJVXr1ZCR.

Read more here: https://t.co/5Y9FfNgWdH

Really rough game last night with 44 goals out of the lineup. We still should've won this game in regulation, but we didn't have a ton of energy and gift wrapped 3 goals for VT. The shootout win is nice (and may serve as an ACCHL tiebreaker), but this will go down as a 3-3 tie for ACHA rankings. It's a very bad result for us, and may end up being enough to knock us out of the auto-bid for Nationals. We'll have to get back on track and probably get some help from Liberty and/or Florida Gulf Coast. Tonight's game at UNC Wilmington has been postponed; I'll post info on rescheduling when I hear something.

That’s how it’s done.. shootout style 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EuG1Bv5sZa

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 22, 2022

Update on tonight's game https://t.co/4jFuRhmsKU

As we head into the final weeks of the regular season, here's a closer look at the rankings and remaining schedules at the top of the Southeast Region. The margin between us, Liberty, and FGCU is razor thin. By the numbers, we are 3 of the top 4 teams in the country, but because only 2 teams from each region receive an auto bid to Nationals, one of these teams will have to go through Regionals to earn a spot.

In the list below: AGD = average goal differential (total goal margin divided by number of games), SOS = strength of schedule (calculated based on opponents' rating, computer expected results, and actual results), AWP = adjusted winning percentage (win percentage * 0.8, ties count for half a win). Rating is the sum of the other 3 statistics and is the basis for the rankings. These are the numbers from the most recent rankings, which is based on games played through Jan. 16.

1. NC State: AGD - 4.5, SOS - 9, AWP - 0.760, Rating - 14.260
2. Liberty: AGD - 2, SOS - 11.4, AWP - 0.686, Rating - 14.086
3. Florida Gulf Coast: AGD - 2.6, SOS - 10.4, AWP - 0.661, Rating - 13.661

Here are the remaining schedules for each team, including results from this past weekend. Rankings shown are based on current rankings and can change each week. Region shown if team is not in the Southeast. Conference tournaments will not factor in, as they take place following the release of the final rankings.

NC State:
1/21 - #13 Virginia Tech -- T, 3-3 (shootouts not recognized by ACHA for rankings)
1/28 - #21 UNC Wilmington
2/5 - at #25 Wake Forest
2/9 - at #21 UNC Wilmington
2/11 - #35 West Virginia
note: 2/4 game against ECU does not count towards rankings, as they are not an ACHA team

Liberty:
1/21 - #12 Cincinnati -- W, 3-1
1/22 - #21 (Central) Davenport -- W, 8-1
1/23 - #4 (Central) Sault College -- L, 5-3
1/28 - #8 Delaware
1/29 - #8 Delaware
2/4 - at #3 Florida Gulf Coast
2/5 - at #3 Florida Gulf Coast

Florida Gulf Coast:
1/21 - #21 (Central) Davenport -- W, 3-2 (OT)
1/22 - #12 Cincinnati -- W, 5-4
1/23 - #1 (Central) Lindenwood -- W, 2-0
1/28 - #4 Miami (OH)
1/29 - #4 Miami (OH)
2/4 - #2 Liberty
2/5 - #2 Liberty
2/11 - #2 (Northeast) Northeastern
2/12 - #2 (Northeast) Northeastern

We certainly did ourselves no favors with our performance against Virginia Tech, and our remaining schedule is very weak. We need to win all of our remaining games convincingly. Florida Gulf Coast has by far the strongest remaining schedule, but also could certainly lose some of those games. Most importantly, Liberty and Florida Gulf Coast play 2 games against each other. Even though both will benefit from a SOS perspective, someone has to lose those games. It's probably slightly more in our favor for Liberty to win those games, since FGCU probably has the most potential to increase their rating the rest of the way. We don't need to finish #1, just in the top 2. It's going to be a fascinating final few weeks. All we can do is get healthy and take care of business, but there will certainly be some scoreboard watching as well.

Postponed game at UNC Wilmington has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 2/9 at 7:15pm. Coach Healy is more than happy to trade a 10pm weekend game for a 7:15pm weeknight game.

Welcome to the 919

Don’t wait until Friday to get your tickets, buy them now! 👇🏼https://t.co/t1KtVMcsWA pic.twitter.com/Oc7W1NWF59

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 25, 2022

Coach Healy won't need to prepare a pregame speech.

Think we can borrow your coach for the night, @Canes ? 😏

You won’t want to miss this, get your tickets for Fridays game now! 👇🏼https://t.co/t1KtVMcsWA pic.twitter.com/Yqt1pn13wZ

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 26, 2022

Pack stay #1 in the Southeast, despite last week's performance against VT. Still very tight at the top.

Men's Division's Ranking #7 released, No Change at the Top

Logan, UT- The seventh rankings for Men's Division 2 were released today. The top two teams in each region held onto their spots and crept another week closer to securing a direct path to the Nationals. With COVID continuing to keep total games played down in the Division as many areas are still waiting to be cleared to play by their schools and/or counties they are in. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, check out the bottom of the article to see a list of leagues that have Regional Auto bids and when they will be decided.

Northeast: This division saw very little movement during the ranking period, as the top nine teams remained in the same spots as last week. Bryant University and Merrimack College continued to swap spots between #10 and #11. The Catamounts of Vermont continue to hold on to the last guaranteed "at large" spot for the Regionals, with Boston University, Providence College, and Clarkson University all vying for the chance to grab it.

Central: Marquette University was the biggest "mover" in the ranking, jumping up six spots and firmly planting themselves in the Regionals picture. Sault College, fresh off a good showing in the Miami Showcase, slides into the top regional spot for this week, passing Gustavus Adophus College, who had held the #3 slot for most of the year.

Southeast: While the top 8 teams are becoming more concrete over the last two weeks, the rest of the rankings seem to be destined to constant movement. Rider University got back into the top ten, rising from #11 to #9, and a safe slot for the Regionals for the week. University of Cincinnati's brutal schedule finally started to pay off as they moved up to #11 after their week at Miami. Probably the biggest surprise is University of North Carolina, moving into a potential "at large" bid at #12.

West: East Texas Baptist University saw itself move into the coveted #6 seed in the region (it is lowest seed to receive a first-round bye in the regionals). After dropping several spots in the previous ranking, University of Denver began to climb again, moving up to #8. It appears the BYU, Utah State, and Grand Canyon will be in a battle for a potential "at large" bid as their seasons will end in three weekends.

There are three rankings remaining, with the final ranking period ending on Sunday, February 13th. The top two teams in each region will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 National Championships. The #3-#10 seeds will have a guaranteed spot in their respective Regional Tournament. The final four teams in each regional will be selected from either League Autobids or at large teams, depending on League tournaments.

Leagues with Autobids

Northeast
NECHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
SECHL: Regular Season Champion (currently Army)

Central
MACHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
WCCHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)

Southeast
ACCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
CSCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
MACH: TBD
TSCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)

West
MWCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
PAC: Regular Season Champion (currently University of California-Los Angeles)
TCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
WCHC: Regular Season Champion (currently Loyola Marymount University)

Full M2 Rankings

Southeast Top 20:
#1 North Carolina State University
#2 Liberty University
#3 Florida Gulf Coast University
#4 Miami University
#5 Rowan University
#6 Penn State University
#7 University of Delaware
#8 University of Kentucky
#9 Rider University
#10 Indiana University
#11 University of Cincinnati
#12 University of North Carolina
#13 Virginia Tech
#14 Ohio State University
#15 University of Michigan
#16 Ohio University
#17 University of Pennsylvania
#18 University of Louisville
#19 Millersville University
#20 Bryn Athyn College

Updated numbers and games to watch this weekend. Everyone took a bit of a hit last weekend, but still just 0.466 separting #1 from #3.

In the list below: AGD = average goal differential (total goal margin divided by number of games), SOS = strength of schedule (calculated based on opponents' rating, computer expected results, and actual results), AWP = adjusted winning percentage (win percentage * 0.8, ties count for half a win). Rating is the sum of the other 3 statistics and is the basis for the rankings. These are the numbers from the most recent rankings, which is based on games played through Jan. 23.

1. NC State: AGD - 4.2, SOS - 9, AWP - 0.743, Rating - 13.943
2. Liberty: AGD - 2, SOS - 11.1, AWP - 0.667, Rating - 13.767
3. Florida Gulf Coast: AGD - 2.5, SOS - 10.3, AWP - 0.677, Rating - 13.477

Here are the schedules for each team this weekend (with currrent opponent ranking/rating).

NC State:
1/28 - #21 UNC Wilmington (7.800 rating)

Liberty:
1/28 - #7 Delaware (10.660 rating)
1/29 - #7 Delaware (10.660 rating)

Florida Gulf Coast:
1/28 - #4 Miami (OH) (12.157 rating)
1/29 - #4 Miami (OH) (12.157 rating)

All three top teams at home this weekend. Obviously rooting for the Pack to win big and losses by Liberty and FGCU. Don't think Delaware will have much of a chance against Liberty, think Miami (OH) could give FGCU some trouble.

Game day at home vs. UNCW. RBA in the house for ceremonial puck drop. ACCHL points on the line. Should be a pretty easy win tonight, but we'll need it to stay atop the rankings.

You don’t want to miss this 😏

Coach Brind’Amour AND the Icepack in the same building…can’t get much better than this! Get your tickets now👇🏼https://t.co/t1KtVMcsWA pic.twitter.com/tLAYUtoYjD

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 28, 2022

Easy win, but we were still very sloppy and coach wasn't too pleased. The result is fine, but we just have to be better. In other relevant games, Liberty beat Delaware 4-1 and Florida Gulf Coast beat Miami (OH) 2-0. Hopefully one of them gets tripped up tomorrow. We'll be back in action next Friday against ECU.

Can’t disappoint with Coach Brind’Amour in the building 🚨 pic.twitter.com/H7KxcnhzF8

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 29, 2022

We’re out of brick walls to run through @canes #inrodwetrust pic.twitter.com/TpNWBpbeAH

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 29, 2022

Relevant results from Saturday - Liberty beat Delaware 7-2 and Florida Gulf Coast beat Miami (OH) 3-0. So we didn't get any help this weekend, not that we should be expecting it. Think Liberty may pass us in the rankings this week, but we should definitely stay in the top 2; the margins are so thin right now. Need another big win at Wake Forest on Saturday. We'll also get some help with Liberty playing at Florida Gulf Coast this weekend. Don't think there's a bad result for us; someone has to lose those games.

Icepack1 said:

---

Relevant results from Saturday - Liberty beat Delaware 7-2 and Florida Gulf Coast beat Miami (OH) 3-0. So we didn't get any help this weekend, not that we should be expecting it. Think Liberty may pass us in the rankings this week, but we should definitely stay in the top 2; the margins are so thin right now. Need another big win at Wake Forest on Saturday. We'll also get some help with Liberty playing at Florida Gulf Coast this weekend. Don't think there's a bad result for us; someone has to lose those games.

---

Good thing the margin of victory was pretty big in the last game against Wilmington.

I was a little surprised that we had to go to OT against Virginia Tech, but we did have Solomon and a few other guys out. It shows what a fine line there is between winning/losing, not only in hockey but every sport.

GuerrillaPack said:

---

Icepack1 said:

---

Relevant results from Saturday - Liberty beat Delaware 7-2 and Florida Gulf Coast beat Miami (OH) 3-0. So we didn't get any help this weekend, not that we should be expecting it. Think Liberty may pass us in the rankings this week, but we should definitely stay in the top 2; the margins are so thin right now. Need another big win at Wake Forest on Saturday. We'll also get some help with Liberty playing at Florida Gulf Coast this weekend. Don't think there's a bad result for us; someone has to lose those games.

---

Good thing the margin of victory was pretty big in the last game against Wilmington.

I was a little surprised that we had to go to OT against Virginia Tech, but we did have Solomon and a few other guys out. It shows what a fine line there is between winning/losing, not only in hockey but every sport.

---

Yeah the Wilmington margin was fine; would've been nice to get to +7 (max margin per game for rankings) but it's not a huge deal. We were missing 3 of our best players against VT, but our defense cost us in that one. Failed clearances, sloppy breakouts, turnovers galore. Hopefully it was a bit of a wake up call; we're deep enough to handle missing some players. We just need to be better.

2 games this weekend. Expecting to see an underclassmen heavy lineup Friday in what is essentially a glorified exhibition; gives us a good look at next year. Hopefully we'll be ready to go Saturday in what has historically been a very difficult building for us.

It’s going to be a busy weekend!

Don’t have FOMO, buy your tickets now👇🏼https://t.co/bubjVkhHAH pic.twitter.com/P6IjWr5Y95

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) January 31, 2022

Got confirmation from coach that Saturday's game at Wake Forest is still on, despite the nearby fertilizer plant fire. The WS Fairgrounds Annex is outside the 1 mile radius of the fire, but the situation is certainly something to be aware of if you make the trip.

Pack stay #1 in the Southeast. Assuming we take care of business the rest of the way, it's going to be tough to knock us out of a Nationals auto-bid spot.

Southeast Region is "Too Close To Call" in latest M2 Rankings

Logan, UT. - The American Collegiate Hockey Association has released the eighth rankings for the 2021-2022 Season. With only two weeks left, the majority of teams of teams that will be heading to the postseason seem to be known. All that is left is to determine seeding.

Southeast: The three-team race for the Nationals autobid is continuing to tighten. The #1 team, NC State and the #3 team, Florida Gulf Coast, are separated by only .46 rating points. Sandwiched between them is Liberty University, with an equal chance of moving up to the top seed or down to the three seed. This weekend, LU and FGCU will play a weekend series in Fort Myers, Florida, with the results most likely providing more clarity on the race.

Northeast: With UMass and Northeastern seeming to have all but locked up the autobids to Nationals, the two races that bear watching are between Boston College and Keene State for the top seed at Regionals and Army and UNH for the last spot of first round bye teams. UNH got back to .500 on the season at 9-9-0 and jumped in front of Army, who was idle. A dark horse looking to jump into a potential At Large bid is Clarkson, who is trying to overtake Boston University to try to keep their season alive.

West: BYU made the biggest mover this ranking period, from barely hanging onto a potential at large bid spot, to now, right behind San Diego State for the last "safe" Regional spot. MSU-Denver continues to push Providence for the top Regional spot, but has to begin to look behind them, as Montana State sits less than .3 behind them.

Central: This region had the most movement of the four areas. Nine of the 12 teams currently in Regionals position were in different spots then in the last rankings. Marian and Minnesota both jumped into first round bye spots, and Marquette continued to rise, now just one spot for guaranteed bid.

There are two rankings remaining, with the final ranking period ending on Sunday, February 13th. The top two teams in each region will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 National Championships. The #3-#10 seeds will have a guaranteed spot in their respective Regional Tournament. The final four teams in each regional will be selected from either League Autobids or at large teams, depending on League tournaments.

Leagues with Autobids

Northeast
NECHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
SECHL: Regular Season Champion (currently Army)

Central
MACHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
NCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/19)
WCCHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)

Southeast
ACCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
CSCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
MACH: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
TSCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)

West
MWCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
TCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
WCHC: Regular Season Champion (currently Loyola Marymount University)

Full M2 Rankings

Southeast Top 20:
#1 North Carolina State University
#2 Liberty University
#3 Florida Gulf Coast University
#4 Miami University
#5 Rowan University
#6 Penn State University
#7 University of Kentucky
#8 Indiana University
#9 University of Delaware
#10 Rider University
#11 University of Cincinnati
#12 University of North Carolina
#13 Ohio State University
#14 Virginia Tech
#15 University of Pennsylvania
#16 University of Michigan
#17 Ohio University
#18 Millersville University
#19 University of Louisville
#20 The College of New Jersey

Updated numbers and games to watch this weekend. Everyone took care of business last weekend, so the margins didn't change much. Just 0.459 separting #1 from #3.

In the list below: AGD = average goal differential (total goal margin divided by number of games), SOS = strength of schedule (calculated based on opponents' rating, computer expected results, and actual results), AWP = adjusted winning percentage (win percentage * 0.8, ties count for half a win). Rating is the sum of the other 3 statistics and is the basis for the rankings. These are the numbers from the most recent rankings, which is based on games played through Jan. 30.

1. NC State: AGD - 4.3, SOS - 8.9, AWP - 0.745, Rating - 13.945
2. Liberty: AGD - 2.2, SOS - 10.9, AWP - 0.677, Rating - 13.777
3. Florida Gulf Coast: AGD - 2.5, SOS - 10.3, AWP - 0.686, Rating - 13.486

Here are the schedules for each team this weekend (with currrent opponent ranking/rating).

NC State:
2/5 - at #26 Wake Forest (7.100 rating)
note: 2/4 game against ECU does not count towards rankings

Liberty:
2/4 - at #3 Florida Gulf Coast (13.486 rating)
2/5 - at #3 Florida Gulf Coast (13.486 rating)

Florida Gulf Coast:
2/4 - #2 Liberty (13.777 rating)
2/5 - #2 Liberty (13.777 rating)

Obviously the games between Liberty and FGCU will have a significant impact on the rankings, although perhaps not as much as you'd think. Both teams will get a small SOS bump, but unless one team wins both games convincingly, there's a chance we stay #1 regardless (as long as we take care of business). Also, Liberty is done with their regular season after this weekend. There are still 2 more rankings to be released, but next week should give us a pretty clear picture of where things will finish.

Game day vs. ECU. The Pirates are not an ACHA team, so this game does not count towards rankings. Expecting coach to roll out an underclassmen heavy lineup to get a good look at next year's team. Pack beat ECU convincingly in the 2 seasons before Covid.

It’s that time again 😏

Get your tickets now for tonight’s game! 👇🏼https://t.co/bubjVkhHAH pic.twitter.com/KFzVCXgRaG

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) February 4, 2022

Good showing from the younger guys tonight. Really liked what I saw from the Z. Robinson, Oliver, Bailey line. Tawyer didn't have to do a whole lot in net, but he did make some fantastic saves. He's going to be so good over the next 4 years.

Pack will head west for an ACCHL league matchup with Wake Forest tomorrow at 1pm. Caught some of their game against UNCW earlier; they looked really bad. They were missing a couple of their best players, but I'm not sure it would make a huge difference against us. Tickets are available online, but it's probably best to just buy at the box office (to avoid fees).

In other relevant news, Florida Gulf Coast beat Liberty 3-1 tonight. They'll play again tomorrow night; would think another Liberty loss would lock up a Nationals auto-bid, since their regular season is done after this weekend.

Big Things Happening 🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/IUsc8dNw2P

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) February 5, 2022

Icepack1, do you know anything about whether Colby Peterson will be able to return this season? If not, how big of a loss is that? He seemed to be one of the best players on the team. Do we have any other players injured? I hope the team is able to make the best possible showing at Nationals this year. They definitely have a great shot at winning it all this year.

Game day in Winston. Pack looking to pick up a couple more points in ACCHL play. Wake has really struggled this year, so hopefully we get out of there with a pretty easy win today. Stream should be available here.

Game Day, Road Trip Edition 🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/ReLcuZ60MC

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) February 5, 2022

GuerrillaPack said:

---

Icepack1, do you know anything about whether Colby Peterson will be able to return this season? If not, how big of a loss is that? He seemed to be one of the best players on the team. Do we have any other players injured? I hope the team is able to make the best possible showing at Nationals this year. They definitely have a great shot at winning it all this year.

---

He'll be back at some point, just not sure when. He'll need physical therapy for his meniscus injury, but no surgery. As I've said, I don't think they'll rush him back; we're healthy otherwise and have plenty of depth.

Would be hard pressed to find a more embarrassing loss in the history of this program. Wake is an abysmal team who just sells out for turnovers, and we were more than happy to hand them the puck over and over in the first 10 minutes. We essentially possessed the puck for the entirety of the final 2 periods. Their goalie played well, but having a 4-0 lead for most of the afternoon allowed them to just compress in the zone and block shots. I don't think they had any kind of sustained offensive pressure the entire game. I don't know what the answer is to our recent struggles, but we'd better figure it out quick. The ACCHL regular season title is out the window, but it doesn't really matter at this point. I maintain that if we get our act together, we'll have no trouble bringing home a 4th straight tournament title in 2 weeks. On a larger scale, we can still land an auto bid to Nationals, but we're not going to get much clarity until the next rankings come out on Thursday. This team will deserve whatever it gets; if we hang on to an auto bid, we'll have earned it with some really terrific wins. If we get sent to Regionals, we'll have nobody to blame but ourselves.

So close 🤏🏼 pic.twitter.com/XVnlng5vtV

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) February 5, 2022