After a historic regular season, the Virginia Tech Men's Ice Hockey team (22-3-1) sets their sights towards the postseason starting this weekend with the ACCHL playoffs in Winston-Salem, NC. The Hokies will enter as the three seed and match up with the Rider Broncs Friday afternoon.
Tech finished ACCHL league play 9-2-1, collecting 27 points after missed opportunities late in January against NC State and UNCW. Penn State, the number one seed, handed the Hokies their only loss in overtime back in November during the ACCHL Showcase.
Here are the complete ACCHL regular season standings:
Penn State (11-0-1) - 33pts
NC State (9-1-2) - 28pts
Virginia Tech (9-2-1) - 27pts
UNCW (7-4-1) - 21pts
UNC (6-5-1) - 14pts
Rider (3-7-2) - 11pts
Rowan (3-7-2) - 11pts
Maryland (3-7-2) - 9pts
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Delaware (3-8-1) - 8pts
The Hokies (as of 2/6) are ranked fifth in the ACHA Southeast Region, eighth nationally. With regionals two weeks from Friday, Tech will look to boost their resume with quality wins in the tournament this weekend in Winston-Salem.
Hokies vs. Broncs - Round 3 Preview
Lawrenceville, New Jersey was the site of a two-game weekend series between Tech and Rider in early October. Friday night's opening contest saw the Hokies dominate the Broncs, cruising to a 10-3 win. Tech captain Gavin Peduzzi in that game scored a hat-trick, as the team continued to steam roll opponents en route to their eventual 13-game winning streak.
Saturday's game was closer. Rider was able to storm back late into the game and had the chance to tie, though the pads of New Jersey native Shane Cook denied the Broncs, capping off a 5-4 weekend sweep victory.
The Hokies outscored the Broncs that weekend 15-7, generating 125 shots on net in two games. Ethan Garlock had himself a homecoming weekend, tallying nine points on three goals and six assists over the weekend, while Peduzzi followed with seven points of his own on three goals and four assists.
What to Expect: Virginia Tech Hokies
Last weekend's 10-1 victory over James Madison was a much-needed momentum booster for Virginia Tech heading into this weekend's ACCHL playoffs. The Hokies finished the month of January 5-2, which included two wins over UNC, an overtime thriller against NCST, and two costly losses.
Throughout the season, there was no question whether this team had the tools to go far into February and March. The strength was undeniable. Two of the top-3 goal scorers in the nation, the rookie leading all league defensemen in points. Two spectacular netminders to complement on the back end.
That said, over the past month, the Hokies' weaknesses have started to glare out from their historic rise to the top. Discipline being the most impactful factor. Opponents have been figuring out how to get under Tech's skin, and it has worked. UNC, UNCW and NCST specifically have laid out a blueprint for teams to follow. Penalty kill numbers have gone down due to the immature, physical play by the Hokies.
When Tech and Rider last met, the two teams got into several altercations. The key for the Hokies will be to remain disciplined and not let the Broncs take advantage of what has been their main weakness over the last few games. If Tech can take a deep breath and play their game, offensively dominant, lots of shots on net, let the defense force opponents to make tough shots, and force easy saves, then the Hokies will be victorious on Friday.
Final Thoughts
The biggest week of the season is here. Although the chances of this weekend being the Hokies' last are dramatically low, each game will be tough, competitive, and down to the wire. If Tech can survive the Broncs Friday, round four with NC State could await Saturday night, pending if both teams can win their respective games. If the Hokies capture the win on Saturday, then a date for the Admiral's Cup would be set Sunday afternoon.
Full Tournament Schedule
Friday:
Saturday:
6 pm: Semifinal #1
9 pm: Semifinal #2
Sunday:
1 pm: ACCHL Championship
Where to Watch
The Virginia Tech Hokies take on the Rider Broncs in the first round of the ACCHL playoffs at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds at 3 pm EST. Fans can watch the game live or on television with RYZ Sports Network.
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