With the 2024-25 season drawing an end, the Virginia Tech Men's Ice Hockey team looks to finish out strong this weekend with a home-and-home series against the NC State Icepack. These two teams battled one another opening night which saw the Icepack come out of Vinton victorious with a 3-2 win over the Hokies.
Since that September 13 loss, the Hokies have gone 20-1-1, boasting a historic season led by individual and team records being shattered every single night. To add more history, this past weekend saw Tech climb to the number two spot in the ACHA Southeast Regional rankings, and number three in the nation overall, a tieing mark that had only been achieved one other time in the program's 38 years.
While on paper, the Hokies look to be as strong as they have ever been late in a season ahead of this weekend's matchup with NC State, there have been some poking vulnerabilities as of late.
Last Friday's game against ACCHL rival UNC-Wilmington saw the Hokies take their first loss since early November against Penn State. The weekend prior against North Carolina at home saw Tech struggle in the offensive zone and create opportunities, as well as poor special teams play leading toward UNC power play goals.
Although the Hokies were able to come out on top against the Tar Heels, they were stunted offensively and undisciplined against the Seahawks, leading to a critical loss. Saturday night's game saw the same storylines from Friday, as the Hokies were down a goal heading into the third period. A JH Lages powerplay goal would tie the game, followed by two insurance goals by Tyler Gordon and Dom Fantozzi provided the Hokies a rare, comeback win.
Looking ahead, the road does not get easier for the Hokies. The biggest week of the season is here with two dates against the North Carolina State Icepack this weekend.
As Superman is to Kryptonite, the Hokies are to the Icepack. Over the last nine years and 13 meetings between the two teams, Tech has only one win over NC State. That lone win came last January at home in an overtime thriller which saw Hokies captain Gavin Peduzzi score one of the biggest goals in program history. Both teams would meet again in the playoffs with NC State ending the Tech's season in the first round.
Opening night of the 2024-25 season brought the Icepack and Hokies together in Vinton. All five goals in the game were scored in the first period, with NC State coming out victorious 3-2. Peduzzi would score both of Tech's goals in the losing effort.
Since that night, the Hokies have gone on an unprecedented run in hopes of running the table in February come the playoffs and regionals, intending to reach nationals. After struggling last weekend, the implications of not only winning but dominating against the Icepack are critical to how the rest of the season plays out.
The number sixth-ranked Icepack (17-5-2) will make every second a hard-earned one. While the Hokies may have Khazai and Peduzzi as their two-headed monster, the Icepack counter with Zach Herman and ACCHL Rookie of the Year frontrunner Daniel Prazma. Where Tech is strong in net with two reliable goalies, NC State can evenly match with Tawyer and Lawrence who are just as proven.
What this Weekend will Come Down to:
NC State will come out on Friday night at home to make a statement against the Hokies. A well-coached team, this Icepack squad will look at last weekend's matchup against UNCW and exploit any weaknesses. They will insert dominance physically, and attempt to mentally control the game. If the Icepack can get under the Hokies' skin and force opportunities from penalties or undisciplined play, they will have a good shot at winning one or even sweeping Tech.
For the Hokies, the mission this weekend is simple: Adapt and Takeover. Learn from last weekend and the mistakes that were made by sloppy play. The third period of Saturday night's game should be a model of how the team needs to cohesively work together to find open shooting lanes.
These two games will consist of hard-nosed, grinding, physical, playoff-type atmosphere hockey. Staying aggressive will also be key. The Hokies have outshot their opponents in every game this season and have been one of the numerous factors as to why they are ranked number two in the region, and number three in the nation.
Finally, the identity of this team needs to be the focal point. All of the previous mentions of records or vulnerabilities against the Icepack should not be taken for granted when the Hokies hit the ice Friday night. One game, one period, and every second should be taken to win. If the Hokies can stay true to who they have been all season long, there should be no doubt they can challenge the Icepack this weekend.
Playoff Implications:
Heading into this weekend with the Icepack, the Hokies currently sit 3rd in the ACCHL Playoff race. If Tech wins one out of their last three league games, they will clinch a top-three seed in Winston-Salem. Last Friday's loss hurt the team's chances at the first seed, as the Hokies will need the NC State and Penn State to lose one out of their last three league games.
Where to Watch and When:
The Hokies and Icepack will begin their weekend series this Friday night, January 24, 2025, at 8:30 pm on ESPN+. Tech will travel down to Morrisville looking to defeat the Icepack at their barn for the first time since 2015. The weekend concludes on Saturday night (1/25) at The Lot as the Hokies take on the Icepack on the Virginia Tech Hockey Network on YouTube starting at 6:30 pm.
Tech will be hosting a watch party for Friday night's game at Top of the Stairs starting at 8 pm. Fans are encouraged to come and watch the game, 18 years or older of age. On Saturday, the team is offering a ticket package to fans that includes food and soft drinks, a bus ride to and from The Lot, and tickets to the game.
For those interested in purchasing the ticket deal, click the link below
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