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The Icepack look to sweep the season series against the 49ers.
How to tune in: WKNC 88.1, coverage beginning at 8:15PM
The Carolina division leading NC State Icepack (9-4-0, 5-1 ACC) prepare to take on the UNC Charlotte 49ers (10-6-1, 4-4 ACC) in a late matchup tonight, with puck drop at 9:30PM. This game will be one of the final divisional matches of the season for State, after holding on against the #7 Delaware last Friday night. Charlotte comes in ready to maintain their position in the running for one of the final spots in the ACCHL tournament.
The Scoop on Charlotte
Charlotte’s season has not been easy, but has been solid. Being one of the top two teams in the Carolina division has been a challenge but have held steady over the likes of the Tar Heels and the Devils. After getting walloped by Delaware 9-4 in a special home game at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, the 49ers will be looking to bounce back. Not only to get back in the win column, but to avenge the 8-5 loss against the Icepack back in November.
The Scoop on State
The Icepack had one of their most complete wins of the season against the Blue Hens, who ended up terrorizing their opponents in their North Carolina swing. Killing well over 8/11 penalties through a tumultuous 2nd Period and having a successful night on the Power Play, State looks to gain even more ground in the ACCHL standings to secure their lead in the Division, as well as attain a higher bid in the tournament.
Lineup
Sam Banasiewicz (C) Will Biberdorf Luis Gimenez (C)
Tyler Alfonzetti Ryan Kinney Trevor Merchant
Andrew Kristof Ryan Lenzmeier Hayden Dewey
Eric Webb Matt Costigan Eric Johnston
Ellis Rushford John Kokkelenberg
Cam Mazikowski Ian O'Rourke
Chris Wing Davis Hudson
Joey Hall
Josh Cannon
Coach Gazzillo plans on keeping this lineup intact as much as possible, but the coaching staff will make adjustments as necessary.
Keep an Eye on
Charlotte: Andrew Miller. Yes, he is the glaring points leader for the 49ers (25-9-34 in 17 GP). But the player to watch tonight isn’t just because of his points: he’s real good. The speedy 6’2 forward combines the skill and strength to capitalize on any Icepack defensive lapses, which have happened frequently in games. Expect State to tighten up their D to block out one of Charlotte’s most lethal forwards, who had a hat trick the last time they met.
State: Sam Banasiewicz. Sam is having as good as a season as they get (18-11-29 in 12GP), and he’s hungry for more. Now on a 2 game goalless streak, Banasiewicz will be looking to move back into the goal column. Expect Charlotte’s goaltending and defense corps to be watching him carefully, as the 5’11 Icepack captain terrorized the 49ers on November 10th with a double hat trick.
Notes
Banasiewicz and Giminez are both riding multi game point streaks… Hall stopped 42 of 45 starts against Delaware, will make the start in tonight’s matchup… If the Icepack win tonight, they will be 8-2-0 in the past 10… Charlotte is on a 1 game losing streak, while State has won 4 straight...
