BLACKSBURG, V.A – For the first time in program history, the Virginia Tech Hokies will play an outdoor hockey game at Truist Field in Charlotte on January 4, 2025, against ACCHL rival North Carolina.
The announcement was made to the public on June 27, 2024, from North Carolina’s season schedule release post on social media, which featured three consecutive games versus Tech, including the outdoor game, which will mark the first meeting between the two programs next season.
“I am extremely excited and honored to get a chance to coach in an outdoor game,” said Virginia Tech Head Coach Joey Mullen. “I think this will be a great showcase for the school and the hockey program we have here.”
Coaching in his 13th season at the helm for the Hokies (17th overall), Mullen and his team will be taking in every moment as they play under the bright lights for the first time in the hockey club’s 39-year history.
“Getting the opportunity to play outdoors is a dream come true,” said Virginia Tech forward Gavin Peduzzi. “I grew up skating on the frozen pond with friends and family, and it truly is some of my favorite memories, I can’t wait to get back to Blacksburg and get to work with the team.”
While this will be the Hokies’ first time playing underneath the night sky, the Tar Heels will venture into Charlotte well-experienced in outdoor hockey. In 2021, North Carolina took on rival NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium in front of an estimated 24,000 fans.
This matchup marks the second consecutive year that Truist Park will host an outdoor hockey game. Last season, 4,200 hockey fans packed the stadium to watch the 2023 College Hockey Outdoor Classic between the Charlotte 49ers and Appalachian State Mountaineers.
For the entirety of the Hokies 2024-25 season schedule, click here.
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