Charlotte, NC — Tonight the Ice Dawgs take on Virginia Tech at Truist Field Ballpark at 7:30pm. This is an outdoor game at the home ballpark of the Charlotte Knights baseball team. 

The two teams look very similar statistically coming into this matchup with the Ice Dawgs having 10 wins and six losses and the Hokies having nine wins and seven losses. Georgia slightly stands ahead as only three of their losses were during regulation play. 

Playing in different conferences within the ACHA makes it difficult to understand what these records may mean for each team due to different strength of schedule. The only team that both the Bulldogs and the Hokies have played this season is UNC. During the Ice Dawgs’ game, they lost, yet, it was only a one goal difference. During Virginia Tech’s two series matchup, however, the Hokies swept the series, with one win and one overtime win. 

These games were extremely early in the season and will likely not represent either teams playing styles coming into the game tonight. The Ice Dawgs have truly grown throughout the season, developing their play style to stand stronger against their competition. They have not lost a game during gametime since Sept. and have won all but one game since that time. This reflects on their intensity in practice and determination in growing as a team. 

A key player to look at in this upcoming matchup is Georgia’s Captain, No. 3 Evan Parente. He has been an impressive leader this season and his tenacity is clear on the ice. Parente is only one point away from 100 career points and he looks to achieve this milestone tonight. 

Virginia Tech hopes to hold back the Ice Dawgs tonight with their deep defensive roster and their goalie No. 33 Tucker Forrest who maintains a 0.903 save percentage. 

The Ice Dawgs plan to combat this with their efficient passing and ability to make space open on the ice. Every player can be a shooter and they will need to trust each other throughout the game in order to win tonight.