Icepack 2023-2024 schedule is out!

Purchase season tickets here. $95 for 13 home games. Single game tickets available here. Home games are played at Invisalign Arena at Wake Competition Center in Morrisville.

2023 - 2024 Schedule (will update with results throughout season):

9/8 - East Carolina -- W, 17-3
9/15 - at Liberty (D1) -- L, 7-2
9/22 - Kentucky -- L, 5-2
9/29 - at Penn State -- W, 3-1
9/30 - at Penn State -- L, 4-2
10/5 - Liberty -- W, 5-3
10/6 - at Liberty -- L, 2-1
10/12 - UNC Wilmington -- W, 8-2
10/20 - at Louisville -- W, 8-4
10/21 - Kentucky -- L, 8-3
10/22 - Indiana -- L, 3-1
10/27 - North Carolina -- W, 5-4 (OT)
11/3 - Penn State -- L, 3-2
11/4 - Maryland -- L, 3-2
11/5 - Rowan -- L, 2-1
11/10 - Texas A&M -- W, 5-3
11/11 - Texas A&M -- W, 8-2
11/17 - Maryland -- W, 6-4
11/20 - North Carolina -- L, 5-3
1/5 - Rowan -- W, 4-0
1/6 - Rowan -- L, 1-0
1/12 - at Delaware -- W, 5-4
1/13 - at Delaware -- W, 8-0
1/19 - Wake Forest -- W, 7-2
1/20 - at Wake Forest -- W, 7-4
1/26 - Virginia Tech -- W, 3-2
1/27 - at Virginia Tech -- L, 3-2 (OT)
1/30 - at UNC Wilmington -- W, 4-3 (OT)
2/2 - North Carolina -- L, 3-2 (OT)
2/5 - North Carolina -- W, 6-2

ACCHL Tournament (Winston-Salem, NC): 2/9 - 2/11

2/9 - Virginia Tech -- W, 4-2
2/10 - Rowan -- L, 3-2 (OT)

ACHA D2 Southeast Regionals (Athens, OH): 2/23 - 2/25

2/23 - Rowan -- W, 3-1
2/24 - Ohio -- W, 4-2
2/25 - Indiana -- L, 5-2

2023-24 Season Schedule Release & Primer

136 days. That's how long it's been since the Icepack last took the ice. Feels like an eternity, right? While the Icepack may have fell short of their national championship aspirations last season, all eyes are looking through the windshield at the season ahead. With one of the best recruiting classes in school history, the team aims to collect some new talent and make a push for their first ever national title. The first piece of the puzzle in the Icepack's quest for glory is their game schedule. With the 2023-24 game-slate being released today, I wanted to walk you all through some of the many intriguing and important dates and events to mark in your calendars. If you want to catch all the action at Invisalign Arena this season, be sure to purchase your season tickets here!

Home & Season Opener vs. East Carolina Pirates
The Icepack opens their season at home with a game against the in-state East Carolina Pirates (9/8). The team last played ECU during the 2021-22 season, in which they routed the visiting Pirates by a score of 8-0. The opening game of any season always has a sense of excitement around it, regardless of opponent or location. The itch for hockey finally gets scratched with the initial puck drop, and there's no better place to kick off an inevitably-exciting season than at home in front of the amazing Icepack fans.

"Division I" Skirmish vs. Liberty Flames
The road portion of the Icepack's schedule hits high gear early, as they head to Lynchburg (9/15) to take on one of the most highly-touted ACHA DI organizations in the nation: the Liberty Flames. The Flames (18-12-1 in Division I) have become an annual "gut check" game for the Icepack over the past three seasons. While the Icepack may not have defeated the top Flames team in any of these games, they've made notable progress each time, even taking an early lead in enemy territory last season. The atmosphere is electric, and the competition and game speed are top-notch for ACHA action. Keep an eye on this one.

Home Test vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The premier opponents visiting Invisalign Arena this season will come earlier and more often than in years past, as the Icepack will look to fend off the Kentucky Wildcats in their second home game of the season. The Wildcats (27-6-1 in 2022-23) are a team well on the rise in the ACHA, finishing with the third-most wins in the entirety of Divison II last season. The Icepack has faced off against Kentucky thrice in the past two seasons, winning twice and tying once. The Cats and Pack tied 2-2 on the road last season, their most recent meeting with the Wildcats. Kentucky will come in hungry for a win against a big-name team like the Icepack early in the season, and this game is certainly one you will want to catch in person.

Out-Of-State Road Trips Aplenty
The NC State Icepack has been no stranger to distant away games over recent seasons, and they will continue to run up the mileage on the team charter bus this upcoming year. The team leaves the state a total of SEVEN times, with the potential for more depending on how deep of a playoff run they make. The team will travel to Virginia (9/15, 10/6, 11/3-11/5, 1/27), Pennsylvania (9/29-9/30), and Kentucky (10/20-10/22), playing high-octane ACHA competition in the Penn State Nittany Lions, Liberty Flames, Kentucky Wildcats, and more along the way.

Governor's Cup vs. UNC Tar Heels
One of the best games of the year is the spectacle known as the annual Governor's Cup. Since the 2017-18 season, the Icepack has faced off against the rival UNC Tar Heels at PNC Arena for the final game of each fall semester, wrapping up the calendar year of college hockey. Fans of both teams pack the building, drumming up an average of more than 5,000 attendees from across the state. There have been six Governor's Cups thus far, with the Icepack having won five of them. Their only loss came in the most recent battle, an outcome they'll certainly seek to reverse in order to regain the title.

Coming out strong this year🔥 pic.twitter.com/aePo93WXik

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) July 11, 2023

Get ‘em before they go👀https://t.co/ePRMFjt0XH pic.twitter.com/Lt4p0GUHns

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) July 12, 2023

Other than Liberty and Drexel, the ACCHL has essentially absorbed the entire now defunct MACH league over the last 2 years, giving the Pack a very strong conference slate to work with. Things get much easier when you don't have to constantly schedule outside the league to build your strength of schedule.

𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗜

• The Premier Division adds three teams this season in Delaware, Maryland & Rider.

• The Elite Division welcomes Stevenson to the fold for a 15-team league.#ACC | #ACCHL | #ACCHockey pic.twitter.com/b5dl7t2IGJ

— ACC Hockey (@ACCHockey) July 14, 2023

is there an article that gives an outlook for the team this year? returning starters, new guys, etc...

Have to say, he’s got the sty down. @RitcheyGus already running with @NCStateHockey. Welcome to #wpn. https://t.co/aPXbPFv7IX

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) August 12, 2023

Wlfpk81 said:

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is there an article that gives an outlook for the team this year? returning starters, new guys, etc...

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Usually the team will put something out once tryouts are done and the roster is finalized. Tryouts wrap up tonight so we might see something next week. Here's what we (should) have coming back, based on last year's roster:

Goalie:
1 - Tawyer
30 - Daniel
33 - Foley

Pretty much rolling with the same tandem as last year (and really the last 2 seasons considering Tawyer and Daniel will see the bulk of the action). Safe to say we are set between the pipes.

Defense:
3 - Karabinos
4 - Cowen
5 - Frosch
15 - James
16 - Jagielski
27 - Stewart

Obviously the key loss here is former captain Victor Hugo, who really anchored the blue line last year. Getting Frosch back for a 5th year is big; he made some significant improvements last year. Cowen is another veteran who will see big minutes, but he really needs to cut down on turnovers this year. James is a huge question mark; he's a tremendous scoring blue liner who can quarterback the power play, but he only appeared in a handful of games last year with lingering concussion issues. I know we are getting some help on D with the incoming class, plus McEneny was able to slot in and give us good minutes last year, so we should be ok here.

Forward:
7 - Robinson
8 - Herman
9 - McEneny
10 - Bilodeau
14 - Bresingham
17 - Auriene (1st semester only)
22 - Oliver
23 - Bailey
24 - Williams
25 - Weikel
26 - Lohr
28 - Todd

I can't promise all of these guys are back given the class we have coming in, which is a good problem to have. Zach Herman needs to be THE guy this year and go put up 25-30 goals. Zach Robinson should be able to give us 20+ as well. Expect big contributions from Auriene (while he's still here), Bailey, and Williams as well. Bresingham and McEneny will continue to contribute as excellent two way forwards. Oliver was one of the few bright spots on the power play last year, so hopefully that continues. Weikel and Lohr had some moments in the 2nd semester last year, hopefully they can take the next step (especially Lohr - very high ceiling). Between the returners and the new guys, we'll have plenty of firepower up front. Speaking of which...

Additions:
Don't know a tons of names, but coach says this is probably the best recruiting class we've ever had (and we know how good the 2018 class was [Johnson, Szarek, A. Robinson, Jadallah, Anistratov, Fong, Halko]. We're adding Scott Daniel (Eric's brother), a big forward who can be a good netfront presence (lord knows we need that). Aside from that, our incoming class has experience in the following leagues:
NCAA D3
NAHL
CCHL
OPJHL
EHL
USPHL Prem
New England Prep
Various other AAA leagues

To summarize, it's going to be a fun year. We're going to be much better than last season.

Single game tickets are now on sale (see link in original post). 15 days to opening night vs. ECU!

Game week is here! The Pack will open the season at home against ECU on Friday (9/8) at 8:15pm.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here or at the door. Student tickets are free for this game. I expect a packed house for this one, so I would highly recommend buying in advance or at least arriving early. If you buy online, show your email confirmation at the door.

A few other notes for those who haven't been before:
- Parking is free, but very difficult to find a spot near the entrance if you don't arrive early. Parking is available around the sides and back of the arena and in any of the other lots around the complex.
- Games are played in the Red Rink. This is the rink to the left of the main building entrance. The team will have a table set up in front of the rink entrance for ticketing. All seating is GA and standing room is available around the end boards on both ends.
- Visit the WCC Cafe (owned by Tribeca Tavern / Mash House Brewing Company) before or during the game. It's located next to the red rink entrance and can also be accessed from outside the building. It's a pretty standard bar food menu (burgers, pizza, hot dogs, wraps, small bites) but I find the quality/value to be pretty good. They also have a good beer selection (no outside alcohol allowed). Would suggest bringing cash for the quick service window located directly outside the rink. Food menu can be found here.

We are soooo back pic.twitter.com/AdVoEtkqZ4

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 5, 2023

Today is the day. pic.twitter.com/h2dpbpfpQu

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 8, 2023

🚨Game Night Info🚨

⏰8:15 pm
📍 Invisalign Arena
📺 https://t.co/UsnD08vedY
🎟️ https://t.co/oYOlwV6yPf or at the door!

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 8, 2023

Cheers!🍻

Take a look at this souvenir cup that could be yours if you stop by the WCC Cafe by Tribeca during home games this season! pic.twitter.com/g7EQbWWEbL

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 8, 2023

Lineup for tonight's game.

Goal is to get everyone in tonight or next week at Liberty (except Z. Robinson and Williams, injured) and start to figure out optimal line combinations going into the Kentucky game in 2 weeks. We are absolutely stacked on defense this year, but it's our offense that's going to benefit due to better zone breakouts and entries. Tonight should be a lot of fun with a great crowd before the boys get thrown into the fire next week.

Good stuff from the boys tonight in front of a packed barn. Got a lot of different guys on the scoresheet, with hat tricks from McEneny and Auriene.

Heck of a way to start the season pic.twitter.com/4tl2usLYWY

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 9, 2023

Must have been a record-breaking crowd tonight for a game at the current home venue (Canes practice facility at Wake Competition Center). Maybe 1,300-1,400 crowd? Place was JAM-packed and people standing 3-4 deep behind the glass. They said on PackTV YouTube broadcast that they actually had to turn people away at the entrance because they were at capacity.

Full game:

GuerrillaPack said:

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Must have been a record-breaking crowd tonight for a game at the current home venue (Canes practice facility at Wake Competition Center). Maybe 1,300-1,400 crowd? Place was JAM-packed and people standing 3-4 deep behind the glass. They said on PackTV YouTube broadcast that they actually had to turn people away at the entrance because they were at capacity.

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1464 attendance. Complete sellout. Turned away a couple hundred people. Tends to happen when you let students in for free. Hopefully everyone comes back out for a good Kentucky team in 2 weeks.

https://instagr.am/p/CxBMHYGg-kl

The @NCStateHockey team had a line OUT THE DOOR for their home opener… 👀

College hockey is BACK 🔥

(h/t @hockeyhousepod, via @Wakecompcenter) pic.twitter.com/Fwnih83SZV

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 11, 2023

Taking the difficulty level up a few notches this week. Generally we've been able to stay competitive with these guys for 30 or so minutes the last 3 years, but the depth is always the difference maker. This is the deepest Icepack team we've seen though, so maybe this is a game in the 3rd period. Like last week, the main goals are to get guys in a game situation, figure out some line combinations, and not get hurt. Then we start getting ready for Kentucky, which is essentially the true season opener for this group.

We’re taking this show on the road 😈 pic.twitter.com/pHNYuzakHg

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 12, 2023

Lineup for tonight's game

Watch on ESPN+

Wake up, it’s gameday😤

📍LaHaye Ice Center (Lynchburg, VA)
⏰ 7:00PM pic.twitter.com/b6IYeeD3Uv

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 15, 2023

🚨Game Night Info🚨

⏰ 7:00 pm
📍LaHaye Ice Center - Lynchburg, VA
🎟 https://t.co/I7zfDz9p77
📺https://t.co/o7BdSiFfBS

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 15, 2023

4,000 strong expected for tonight’s matchup between @LibertyHockey and @NCStateHockey 💪 https://t.co/mU4R138Tw2 pic.twitter.com/9wIUwP68S5

— The Hockey House (@hockeyhousepod) September 15, 2023

Saw a lot of good things tonight from the Pack. Basically lost this one by giving up 4 goals in 3 minutes to end the 1st / start the 2nd. Those things can happen when you play up a division, and this may be Liberty's best team ever (returning 20 starters from a final four team). Keep an eye on newcomers Nick Shook, Caid Cox, Holden Koufman, Andrew Throndson, and Joey Gouveia. We have some dudes that will make some other teams look really bad this season.

Tough loss pic.twitter.com/0VrpttVAMR

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 16, 2023

Huge game this week for the Pack against a Kentucky team that went to Nationals last season. These 2 teams have played some great games over the last 2 years; should be one of the best games to catch this season.

Would highly suggest buying tickets online. Expecting another packed house for this one. Get there early, wear white.

Fridays forecast is looking a little icy

⚪️⚪️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/smEOlVOQHE

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 19, 2023

Sucks this runs into the Friday night Pack Football game.

Feels good to be home. pic.twitter.com/fM6wCR7pcu

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 22, 2023

Lineup for tonight's game

Robinson and Williams still out with injuries. All other scratches are healthy.

Some additional gameday notes:
- Online ticket sales will be cut off at 7pm. Entrance procedures have been updated to give priority to advance/season ticket holders. Team is expecting to have roughly 300 walkup tickets available.
- Wear white! First 100 fans will receive a free White Out T-Shirt.
- The pep band will be in the house!

🚨Game Night Info🚨

⏰8:00 pm
📍Invisalign Arena
🎟 https://t.co/pjAtJEk5Cu
📺 https://t.co/qbGvm969oL

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 22, 2023

Tough one. Kentucky is a good team, but the Pack really let them off the hook after grabbing an early 2-0 lead. Too many penalties, not enough puck movement, and suspect goaltending all factors in this one. The next 4 games are against Penn State and Liberty, 3 of those on the road, so the Pack need to figure things out quickly. We'll get another shot at Kentucky in a month; we'll have a very good idea of what we have in this team by the end of October.

Tough day at the office pic.twitter.com/Y6Ex2RRgcQ

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 23, 2023

Big weekend on the road for the Pack. Always a great game when these two teams get together. Hopefully the boys learned a few lessons from last week and can come home with a pair of wins.

Battle of the state schools 😈 pic.twitter.com/uwbBBUSpM6

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 26, 2023

Icepack Partner With Ticket Sauce For A Better Fan Experience

The Icepack are excited to launch a partnership with Ticket Sauce. By moving to the Ticket Sauce platform The Icepack will be able to deliver a better fan experience. The best is that unlike traditional ticket platforms there are zero user fees. If you have already bought tickets through our website, look for an email from Ticket Sauce with a your new tickets, they will automatically be transferred over. We anticipate less and less availability of walk-up tickets so we highly encourage purchasing ahead of time. In particular we expect the UNC game to sell-out in advance. If you are bringing a fan 17 and under, they must be ticketed as well, however, there is a category that provides free tickets through Ticket Sauce. Season Ticket Members will continue to utilize their wristbands. Purchase your tickets here.

Wake up, Icepack. It’s game day! pic.twitter.com/ySWWoliXwB

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 29, 2023

Tonight's lineup

Watch on YouTube

Pack kick off a 2 game set at Penn State. We've played 3 really close games the last 2 seasons; expecting this weekend to be no different. We'll probably rotate a few guys through the lineup, but it's nice to have a solid top 4 on D so far and not have to rely on forwards to play defense. The depth on this squad is unreal; super high ceiling once this group puts it together.

Pack get it done on the road tonight, making a pair of early goals by Robinson and Strong hold up. Pack were the better team, but spent way too much time in the box in the back half of this one. Still, you always take a road win against a team that will definitely be in the postseason picture. Nice to get Robinson and Williams back in the lineup as well. Hopefully the boys clean a few things up and do it again tomorrow night.

See you tomorrow😁 pic.twitter.com/uZMYD18r3C

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 30, 2023

WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP pic.twitter.com/pOpu2QcI33

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 30, 2023

I'll take the split on the road. Thought the Pack were good enough to win tonight, but Penn State is really tough defensively. Amazing that we couldn't put home the equalizer in the 3rd with all the the chances we had. Big 2 game set against Liberty next week.

Final from State College. pic.twitter.com/WhAToAHCPT

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) October 1, 2023