Icepack 2025-2026 schedule is out!

Purchase season tickets here. $100 (limited time deal) for 14 home games, also includes the game against Navy at Fort Bragg and the game against UNC at Lenovo Center (16 total games). All season ticket members will also be entered to win one of ten seats in the team suite for the game against Alabama at Truist Field in Charlotte (Nov. 15). Single game tickets on sale at a later date. Home games are played at Invisalign Arena at Wake Competition Center in Morrisville.

2025 - 2026 Schedule (will update with results throughout season):

9/5 - Georgia (D2) -- W, 2-1 (OT)
9/12 - Liberty -- L, 4-2
9/13 - at Liberty -- L, 1-0 (OT)
9/19 - Kentucky -- W, 4-3 (SO)
9/20 - Kentucky -- W, 3-1
9/26 - Maryland (D2) -- W, 4-1
9/27 - at Virginia Tech (D2) -- W, 5-1
10/4 - at Delaware -- W, 4-2
10/5 - at Delaware -- L, 5-1
10/17 - at West Virginia -- W, 4-3 (OT)
10/18 - at West Virginia -- W, 5-4
10/24 - North Carolina -- W, 4-1
10/25 - at North Carolina (First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro) -- L, 3-2
11/6 - at Alabama -- W, 3-2
11/7 - at Alabama -- W, 7-4
11/14 - Alabama -- 8:30pm [ESPN+]
11/15 - Alabama (Truist Field, Charlotte) -- 7:30pm [ESPN+]
11/21 - George Mason -- 7:30pm [ESPN+]
11/23 - North Carolina (Lenovo Center) -- 5:00pm [ESPN+]
1/3 - at Mary -- 8:00pm
1/4 - at Mary -- 3:00pm
1/5 - at Jamestown -- 8:00pm
1/9 - Temple -- 8:30pm [ESPN+]
1/10 - West Chester -- TBD [ESPN+]
1/16 - Navy -- 8:30pm [ESPN+]
1/17 - Navy (Fort Bragg) -- 1:30pm [ESPN+]
1/23 - Oregon -- 8:30pm [ESPN+]
1/30 - Delaware -- 8:30pm [ESPN+]
1/31 - Delaware -- TBD [ESPN+]
2/13 - at Louisville -- 8:00pm
2/14 - at Louisville -- 7:00pm

ACCHL Tournament (West Chester, PA): 2/27 - 2/29

ACHA D1 Nationals (Maryland Heights, MO): 3/13 - 3/17

2025-2026 Icepack Season Tickets On Sale Now!

Become A Season Ticket Member Here and Save Big!
Cheer on the Pack in this historic season as we move to ACHA Division 1. This season ticket is valid for all 14 games at the Invisalign Arena at Wake Competition Center. It includes the Governor's Cup and our match-up against the United States Naval Academy at Fort Bragg, for a total of 16 games. As a bonus, all season ticket members will be entered to win one of ten seats in our suite when we take on Alabama at Truist Field!

As a Season Ticket Member, you're in for a treat. You'll receive a special wristband as your ticket, a 2025-2026 game ticket, and a T-shirt. And when single-game tickets go on sale, you'll also receive a code for an additional 14 complimentary tickets for games at Invisalign Arena. It's our way of showing appreciation for your support.

🚨See you Sept. 5th for our Home Opener 🐺🏒

The 2025-2026 Icepack D1 Schedule is here -- we can't wait to see y'all back at the barn! pic.twitter.com/1rBRZHp3OD

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) July 30, 2025

With the move up to D1 this season, how is the roster looking? Was there a lot of turnover? How has it affected recruiting?

𝗗-𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗧 🎬

The #ACC gears up for their first season in ACHA Division 1 with the 10-team conference!#ACCHockey | #ACCHL pic.twitter.com/x5cnjQH0eb

— ACC Hockey (@ACCHockey) August 1, 2025

Think we'll see about 40% roster turnover. Had a good number of departing graduates, a couple more I know will not be back. Most notable roster addition will be Ethan Roberts, a goalie transfer from the NCAA D1 program at St. Thomas. Easily the best player we've ever had in this program.

Our top forwards return; with Herman, Prazma, Gifford, Shook, Koufman, Finch, Gouveia, we should be pretty competitive along with some solid newcomers to fill the gaps. We should instantly be top half of ACHA D1 (~75 teams); the ceiling is likely fringe top 25 and maybe compete for an at large bid to Nationals (24 teams).

Alabama and NC State playing an outdoor game. Safe to say hockey is booming in the States 📈 pic.twitter.com/ulIVzWE9Mi

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) August 18, 2025

Icepack Welcomes 16 New Players To NC State Hockey

The Icepack is welcoming in their largest new player class in recent memory with 15 fresh faces joining the Pack for the 2025-2026 season. The new class features players with experience in NCAA Division I, the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), Eastern Hockey League (EHL), North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), New England Prep (NEPSAC), and Mass Division 1. The class features nine players from North Carolina, five from Massachusetts, and one each from Virginia and Ontario.

The nine players from North Carolina have youth hockey roots with the Carolina Junior Hurricanes and Carolina Golden Bears before going off to junior hockey.

According to Head Coach Tim Healy, "this new player group, combined with our returning players, gives us the depth and skill needed to compete in ACHA Division 1. Last year, with injuries, our depth was tested, and we wanted to build a team that protects against the injury bug so we can compete every night."

To Meet The Team Read More Below

Forwards
Jack Ammons (First Year - Raleigh, NC) - Comes home to Raleigh after lacing up for the Mercer Chiefs and Worcester Jr. Railers NCDC teams.
Healy on Ammons: "Jack is going to a dynamic player for us, he knows the game well and has great chemistry with some of the returners already."

Ian Buckley (First Year - Raleigh, NC) - Played for the Norwich Sea Captains last year in the NA3HL after spending his youth career with the NC Golden Bears.
Healy on Buckley: "Ian has a deep love of the game and a passion to get better every day. He is going to be a player we can play up and down the lineup."

Gian Khani (First Year - Raleigh, NC) - Starred for the USPHL Junior Canes the past two seasons after playing for the Junior Hurricanes during his youth career.
Healy on Khani: "Gian is a dynamic forward who has put in a tremendous amount of work in the off-season to make himself into an impact player."

Ben Paterson (First Year - Franklin, MA) - Spent a Post-Graduate year at Deerfield Academy after graduating from Franklin High School with Vinnie Pasquarosa.
Healy on Paterson: "Ben is a natural goal-scorer with a quick release. Ben is going to find the back of the net for us."

Alex Phillips (First Year - Raleigh, NC) - A spring connect student who played shuttled between the NCDC, USPHL Premier, and 18 AAA for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights last season.
Healy on Phillips: "Alex is just the type of player we need to jump into ACHA 1. He is a big-bodied forward with skill that can impact the zone in all zones."

Brandon Raleigh (First Year - Raleigh, NC) - Another local product who was an impactful player fort the USPHL Junior Canes the past two seasons after a youth career with the Junior Hurricanes.
Healy on Raleigh: "Brandon is going to play a pivotal role for us this year and in particular on the penalty kill."

Michael Ranaldi (First Year - Newburyport, MA) - After a stellar career at Governor's Academy, he started last season with the New Hampshire Avalanche in the EHL before moving up to the NCDC with the Seacoast Spartans. He has an excellent hockey pedigree, with his father having played for Air Force and his uncle at Providence College.
Healy on Rinaldi: "Michael has proven to be an impact player at every level he's played. He's a smart player who can play with power."

Aidan Ready (First Year - Hillsborough, NC) - Coming off labrum surgery after starring for the Norwich Sea Captains in the NA3HL after playing for the NC Golden Bears.
Healy on Ready: "Aidan, much like Phillips, is going to add size and skill to the lineup and is going to impact games on the scoresheet and in the d-zone."

Defense
Paddy Maxwell (First Year - Wellesley, MA) - Captained Wellesley High School under coach Paul Donato. Comes from a strong hockey lineage; uncle and cousin both played in the NHL, and has a cousin playing at the University of New Hampshire.
Healy on Maxwell: "Paddy is a smart defender with a great stick who can break up plays up and down the ice."

Vinnie Pasquarosa (First Year - Franklin, MA) - Teamed with Ben Paterson at Franklin High School before going to prep school at Northfield Mt. Herman.
Healy on Pasquarosa: "Vinnie is a solid puck-moving defenseman who can jump-start the rush and turn defense into offense."

Mason Payne (First Year - Colfax, NC) - Played with the Norwich Sea Captains in the NA3HL after a youth career with the NC Golden Bears and Junior Hurricanes.
Healy on Payne: "Mason is strong beyond his years and is exciting on the rush. Mason is going to be an impact defenseman."

Jack Ray (First Year - Fayetteville, NC) - Spring Connect student who will join the Pack in the second semester after playing for the USPHL Junior Canes. Played his youth career with the Junior Canes and Dallas Stars Elite.
Healy on Ray: "Jack is a smart, smooth-skating defenseman who is going to add skill to our blueline come second semester."

Cam Smith (First Year - Abington, MA) - Played prep hockey at Dexter-Southfield before transferring to Dexter. Smith was teammates with Jake Lipani at Brooks School. Also teamed the Neoponset Valley River Rats for U19 AAA.
Healy on Smith: "Smith is a classic stay-at-home defender. He shuts down his side of the ice and makes great decisions with the puck."

Kyler Sun (First Year - Aldie, VA) - Joins the Icepack from Providence H.C. in the EHL for the last two years after a youth career with the Washington Little Caps.
Healy on Sun: "Kyler moved to defense last year and made the EHL All-Star team. Plays fearless with a great mix of skill and physicality."

Goalie
Pieter Bartesle (Third Year - Kitchener, ON) - Comes to the Icepack after spending last season as NAHL practice goalie with the Rochester Junior Americans, with Raleigh native Alyssa Gagliardi as a coach. Previously, he played in the USPHL with the Charlotte Rush.
Healy on Pieter: "Pieter is an athletic goalie with great technique and puck fight. Pieter is going to add great depth to our goaltending corps."

Ethan Roberts (Fourth Year - Cary, NC) - Previously placed NCAA hockey at Division I St. Thomas and Division III Eau Claire and Utica. Took Utica University to the Frozen Four and helped lead Eau Claire to the NCAA tournament with two playoff wins a year ago.
Healy on Roberts: "Ethan can be a top goalie in the ACHA. He was one of the top goalies in the DIII his sophomore year with a 1.57 .gaa and a .941 .spct before injuries hampered his junior season."

As we transition to ACHA D1, Icepack has carefully made the decisions and changes needed to compete at this new level. We are ready to take on the ice and are excited to take you guys with us on this journey. #AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven pic.twitter.com/2qJEOdGGu3

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 3, 2025

Icepack Prepares for the Dawgs

RALEIGH, NC For the first time since Jan. 31, 2025, the NC State Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena on Friday night, hosting the University of Georgia in the home opener. This matchup marks the first game since the team fell to the Miami RedHawks in the Southeast Regionals.

Alternate captain Nick Librizzi said the team has been adjusting quickly during the first practices. This will be the debut of 16 new players on the roster.

"Everyone's been getting to know each other, and the new practices have been really fast," Librizzi said. "This is the strongest team we've had since I've been here."

Georgia, which recently rejoined the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) after competing at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) level, enters the season looking to reestablish its place in the league. Librizzi said the team is not overlooking the Dawgs.

"It's not a game we should take lightly," he said. "We want to start the game better so we're in a better spot, not playing from behind going into the second period."

The Icepack begins its first season at the Division 1 level. Librizzi said the step up in competition is something the team is really excited for. "It's going to be really good for all of us," he said.

"I'm excited to see how we match up against a higher level of competition."

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. at Invisalign Arena. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

We are SO back 📈🔥🙌

It’s the first game of the season and we’re playing the UGA Bulldogs. Doors open at 7pm. We can’t wait to see everyone back at the barn🐺🏒

📍⏰: Invisalign Arena @ 8:45
🎟️: link in bio
🎥: ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/X05dIn9l07

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 5, 2025

Zach Herman with the big OT winner to kick off the season. Lots of improvement needed for next weekend, a definitely a fun night in the barn.

Herms walked the dawgs🐺‼️#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven pic.twitter.com/ARPqSHAJIn

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 6, 2025

Herms walked the dawgs🐺‼️#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven pic.twitter.com/ARPqSHAJIn

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 6, 2025

Herman scores OT Opening Night game-winner

RALEIGH, NC NC State's Icepack opened the season with a 2-1 overtime win against the Georgia Dawgs on Friday night.

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS

Isaac Tawyer started in net for the Icepack and kept out 10 shots on goal in the first period to get the game going. The Dawgs came out strong, but a holding penalty on Georgia gave the Icepack a power play, where Jake Gifford capitalized and scored the first goal of the season. Netted at 16:12, the Icepack took control of the game, with Nick Librizzi and Holden Koufman each tallying an assist.

Georgia answered 25 seconds into the second, when Truman Haugen netted an unassisted goal on goaltender Ethan Roberts, who had just entered the game. Roberts allowed one goal on 13 shots to keep the game tied. The Dawgs' defense tightened around goalie Isaac Haugen, and the period ended tied 1-1.

Pieter Bartelse took over in net for NC State in the third, which featured four combined penalties and several tangles between teams. The Icepack could not convert on their second power play, and Georgia earned its first man advantage late in the period when Reece Johnson was called for slashing, going after a loose puck. In his debut with the club, Bartelse faced 10 shots between both regulation and overtime play, including notching a secondary assist on the overtime game-winner. NC State held off the Dawgs for the first minute of their power play, sending the game into overtime.

The Dawgs opened overtime with the remaining minute of their power play, but the Icepack penalty kill held firm. Moments later, NC State captain Zach Herman buried the game-winner off the post, sealing the victory in his 100th game with the Icepack.

NC State (1-0) returns to Invisalign Arena on Sept. 12 to open a Home and Home against Liberty.

It’s back to back hockey this week 🚨🐺

This Friday we’re taking on the Liberty Flames at home and then we’re hitting the road to head to Lynchburg for one more game on Saturday.

Both games will be available to watch on ESPN+.

🎨: Ashley Martin#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven pic.twitter.com/UspGo4j9Na

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 8, 2025

Icepack Face Liberty in Weekend Home-and-Home

RALEIGH, NC After winning their home opener last Friday, the Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena Sept. 12 for the first of a home-and-home series against Liberty.

Forward Austin Finch recapped the team's first game and looked ahead to the weekend, focusing on the chance to play his brother, Ryan, for the first time at a collegiate level

"I've never played against Ryan before, and I think it'll be good. My family is really excited, and we'll have a lot of people here to watch Ryan," he said. "It's his first time playing here in Raleigh since he moved away to Cape Cod, so it'll be really good. I'm excited."

Finch said he is looking forward to the chance to put his brother into the boards this weekend and limit any point-scoring potential Ryan has against the Icepack. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to earn another win.

Despite the season-opening victory against Georgia, Finch admitted the team got off to a slow start. With 16 new members on the roster, he said it is only natural that the group needs time to gel. Still, Finch is optimistic that additional practice, time together, and several off weekends will help strengthen on-ice chemistry.

Liberty opened its season with a 4-1 win against West Chester. The Flames have been a tough opponent in past years, and NC State will need to dial in to counter Liberty's strong offense during the two-game series, which includes Friday's home matchup and Icepack's first road test on Saturday.

Despite the past struggles with Liberty, Finch said he is confident. "I think the guys get a dub this weekend."

Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 8:45 p.m. at Invisalign Arena. The Icepack will then travel to Lynchburg, Va., for the second game of the series on Saturday. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.

Finally gameday🐺🔥

📍⏰: Invisalign Arena @ 8:30PM
🎥: ESPN+
🎨: Ashley Martin#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven pic.twitter.com/Nkm57lFlVd

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 12, 2025

Tough one. Pack put up a good fight against the #4 team in the country. Special teams were excellent. We'll do it again on the road tomorrow night.

End of the third. pic.twitter.com/dS57k1FjrM

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 13, 2025

NC State fell to No. 4 Liberty 4-2 in the opener of a home-and-home series

RALEIGH, N.C. The Icepack fell to No. 4 Liberty, 4-2, on Friday night in the first game of a home-and-home series.

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

Liberty struck first, establishing control over the pace early. The Icepack responded midway through the first period when Nick Librizzi scored on a power play, assisted by Aidan Raedy and Erik Dahlin. Less than two minutes later, Liberty answered with two goals in 33 seconds to take a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

"The game is really fast-paced," Librizzi told ESPN+ during the break. "If we are half a step quicker, we will be able to break up their plays and have some more offense for ourselves."

The Flames extended their lead less than a minute into the second period, then later added a power-play goal after a roughing penalty on Jake Lipani. Despite the score, NC State settled in and created more offensive pressure during the period.

Reece Johnson trimmed Liberty's lead to 4-1 midway through the third with his first goal of the season. Goaltender Ethan Roberts was pulled in the final two minutes to add an extra skater, but the Icepack was unable to close the gap.

Despite the loss, NC State showed improvement against a top Division 1 opponent as the game progressed.

The Icepack returns tonight, playing Liberty away in Lynchburg, Va. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., with the game streaming on ESPN+.

Icepack is hitting the road 🚌🐺

Today we’re headed up to LaHaye Ice Center to play Liberty one more time!

📍⏰: LaHaye Ice Center @ 7:00PM
🎥: ESPN+#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/iaEx2nIwEH

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 13, 2025

Tough one. Ethan Roberts nearly stole the game (48 saves) but the Pack couldn't find the back of the net. A very respectable performance this weekend against the #4 team in the country.

Pack will get Kentucky at home twice next weekend.

End OT. pic.twitter.com/RfZc2SuvO0

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 14, 2025

End OT. pic.twitter.com/RfZc2SuvO0

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 14, 2025

NC State Drops OT Thriller to No. 4 Liberty to Close Series

LYNCHBURG, Va. The Icepack fell in overtime to No. 4 Liberty on Saturday, closing out a home-and-home series with the Flames at LaHaye Ice Center.

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS

The Icepack, coming off Friday's opener in Raleigh, traveled to Lynchburg and delivered a strong defensive performance in front of a packed crowd. Goaltender Ethan Roberts played brilliantly, holding Liberty scoreless through regulation before the Flames scored with 1:13 remaining in the sudden-death overtime period.

"We knew these games were going to be a battle," NC State captain Zach Herman told ESPN+ during the first intermission. "Over 60 minutes, every little detail adds up to what's on the scoreboard. Try to win all the small battles, small details, and we see where it takes us."

Roberts stopped 48 of 49 shots, and the Icepack matched the intensity and pace of the Flames throughout the game. NC State's penalty kill unit was impressive and a necessary strength of the night, keeping Liberty from scoring on any of their four power plays.

The game opened with a fast, physical pace from both teams, a noticeable shift from Friday's series opener. The Icepack pushed through the neutral zone more effectively and generated more time in their offensive zone.

Despite the overtime defeat, NC State left with momentum after a weekend that showcased the team's ability to hold its own against top-tier opponents.

The Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena this weekend for their first ACCHL League Weekend.

Tickets
Lineup
Watch

Finally gameday again😌💯

Join us tonight at the barn for our first game against the University of Kentucky!

📍⏰: Invisalign Arena
🎥: ESPN+#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/WLi76eksHP

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 19, 2025

Icepack face University of Kentucky in back-to-back home games

RALEIGH, N.C. After a hard-fought home-and-home series last weekend, the Icepack returns to Invisalign Arena on Sept. 19 for the first of two conference games against the University of Kentucky.

Freshman defenseman Vinnie Pasquarosa said that the team is motivated and holding itself to a high standard after proving it can compete with top opponents against Liberty last weekend. He believes that the series set the tone for the rest of the season and showed the team what it needs to do to win both matchups this weekend.

"We've shown that we're not afraid to block shots and play hard in our D-zone and do whatever it takes to get a win," Pasquarosa said. "If we play with that same mentality and stay disciplined, we're going to be in a good spot this weekend."

Pasquarosa played in his first game last Saturday and said the rest of the team was "very supportive, very helpful, encouraging, and made it really easy for me to play the way I wanted to play." He is excited to carry that momentum into both games in front of a home crowd. Saturday's 10:45 p.m. puck drop may limit attendance, but Pasquarosa said the team can keep focused and earn wins.

Like the Icepack, Kentucky made the jump to Division 1 play this season. The Wildcats are 3-0 this season, most recently sweeping the University of North Carolina in back-to-back games. The team is physical, but after facing another tough, physical opponent in Liberty, the Icepack has shown it can match that energy.

Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 8:45 p.m. at Invisalign Arena. The Icepack returns on Saturday for a 10:45 p.m. puck drop, themed "Icepack After Dark." Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.

Pack score two goals in the final 3:05 to force OT and win in a shootout. Wasn't pretty but the Pack found a way tonight.

Claws clipped 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/5Or6e0ABoA

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 20, 2025

Claws clipped 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/5Or6e0ABoA

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 20, 2025

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.

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

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.

It’s Icepack After Dark so grab a caffeinated beverage and your PJs 🌕🐺

Tonight we return to the rink for a 10:45PM puck drop for game two against the Wildcats. Be sure to show up in PJs or coziest outfits for 50% off at the door! #AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/TPe3ZJV01d

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 20, 2025

Pack rally for 3 goals late in the 3rd to sweep Kentucky.

Sweet dreams😴🐺#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/ye1C0ViUCJ

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 21, 2025

Icepack Sweeps Kentucky in 3-1 Saturday Win

RALEIGH, N.C. NC State beats Kentucky with a 3-1 win and a massive late-game swing of momentum to take the series.

BOX SCORE | SKATER STATS | HIGHLIGHTS

An 11:15 p.m. puck drop marked the Icepack's latest start of the season, but the team opened with plenty of energy. The first period featured a few penalties and scrappy play, though neither team scored.

Freshman forward Aidan Raedy said the team's effort from the beginning was expected. "That was one of our goals," Ready said. "We've been forechecking hard, kind of doing all the things we need to do to be able to win this hockey game here."

Kentucky struck first with a power-play goal, but NC State earned five power-play chances in the second period, including more than a minute of 5-on-3 play. Goaltender Isaac Tawyer kept the deficit manageable with a key save, holding Kentucky to one goal.

Momentum swung in the third period, when the Icepack scored three unanswered goals in the final eight minutes. Michael Ranaldi scored his first career Icepack goal and NC State's first 5-on-5 goal this season to tie up the game with assists from Erik Dahlin and Mason Payne. This secondary assist marks Payne's first career Icepack point.

Reece Johnson followed with the game-winning power-play goal, assisted by captain Zach Herman and alternate Nick Librizzi, giving NC State its first lead. Freshman Jack Ammons added an empty-net goal for insurance, marking his first career Icepack goal.

Head coach Tim Healy praised the contributions of the entire team after the game, noting that all of the roster played in the Kentucky series. "The attitude of this team is just great right now not retaliating and just going to work," Healy said. "Next man up, really. It's a resilient group that we've seen, but now it's a group that actually shows they can play 60 minutes."

With the win, NC State added two more wins against a Division 1 opponent and showed its ability to fight from behind.

Hoped you missed us because it’s gameweek again🙌🐺

Friday we’re playing the Maryland Terps at home and then we’re hitting the road to play the Hokies at Virginia Tech! #AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/pqElVBLjog

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 22, 2025

Icepack Hosts Maryland Friday, Visits Virginia Tech Saturday

RALEIGH, N.C. NC State will close its home stand against Maryland on Friday before travelling to Lynchburg, Va., on Saturday to face Virginia Tech.

Freshman forward Jack Ammons, who scored his first career Icepack goal in the Kentucky series, said the team is focused on handling each matchup individually. "I think we kind of just take it one game at a time, focus on the Friday game, and maybe if we have to make some changes for Saturday, we will," Ammons said. "But just one game at a time."

Ammons added that playing on the road helps the Icepack stay locked in. "It's a business trip and you're able to lock in a little bit and just play hockey and not focus on anything else," he said.

Michael Ranaldi, who also scored his first career Icepack goal against Kentucky, echoed Ammons' approach. He said the Icepack needs to keep "getting pucks in deep, blocking shots, finishing our hits, and hopefully burying some goals" to secure wins this weekend.

Both Maryland and Virginia Tech compete in Division 2, but are strong opponents. Maryland recently defeated a Division 1 team, and Virginia Tech brings a physical presence after finishing a tough series against Liberty.

Head coach Tim Healy said NC State must carry momentum into the weekend and continue building on the progress made this season. "Maryland's coming down here, they're a team that's interested in moving to Division 1," Healy said. "They want to see if they're ready, so they're going to come down for it."

Healy also highlighted the rivalry with Virginia Tech, "People ask you, 'Hey, why have you kept Tech on the schedule?' Because it's a great rival," Healy said. "I love that staff up there, and it's a good game."

Puck drop is at 8:45 p.m. on Friday at Invisalign Arena. Saturday's game at Lancerlot Sports Complex in Lynchburg is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday's game will stream on ESPN+.

It’s that time again, it’s gameday🙌🥳

Join us tonight to watch the Icepack play against the University of Maryland!

📍⏰: Invisalign Arena @ 8:30pm
🎥: ESPN+#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/Ra3ZGzT7l5

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 26, 2025

A mixed bag from the Pack tonight, but still a win.

IcePACKING their bags for i-95 🐺#AlwaysEarned #NeverGiven
🎨: Ashley Martin pic.twitter.com/9gWeMpninZ

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 27, 2025

ICEPACK WIN 🏆

Final: Icepack 4 - Maryland 1

— NC State Icepack (@NCStateHockey) September 27, 2025