By Abby Doperak · VINTON, Va. – The Tennessee Ice Vols travel to Virginia to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Lancerlot Sports Com…
VINTON, Va. – The Tennessee Ice Vols travel to Virginia to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Lancerlot Sports Complex.
Fresh off a sweep of West Virginia University, the Ice Vols are looking to carry that momentum into this weekend’s matchup. The team plans to capitalize on an improved offense while continuing to focus on puck movement in front of the net.
Tennessee is coming off two wins against the Mountaineers, including a shutout. Over the course of the series, the Ice Vols held West Virginia to just one goal, showcasing a more cohesive defensive performance.
On offense, Tennessee saw significant improvement, outshooting the Mountaineers 88-28 and producing nine total goals across the two games. The Ice Vols are showing growth, with their biggest challenge being time and consistency.
In their first matchup against West Virginia, Tennessee struggled to pull ahead until an explosive final two minutes, when they scored three goals to secure the win.
Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has played two games this season – both against Liberty University. The Hokies sit at 1-1, having secured a 4-3 win in their season opener with a goal in the final 20 seconds.
In the rematch at LaHaye Ice Center, Virginia Tech trailed throughout the game but managed to tie it with seconds remaining in regulation. The game went to a shootout, where the Hokies fell 5-4.
While Tennessee’s 88 shots on goal are a great improvement, they’ll need to maintain that offensive pressure against a Virginia Tech team that tallied 103 shots in its first two games.
Assistant captain Tyler Iles said he sees the growth in the Ice Vols, but acknowledged there’s still work to do.
“I think we played great all game,” Iles said. “Since it’s still early on in the year, we are having a hard time scoring right now, but hoping that changes.”
Since both of Virginia Tech’s games were decided in the final seconds, the Ice Vols will look to take control early and limit any opportunity for a late-game comeback.
The Hokies have had two weeks of practice since their last game, while the Ice Vols are entering fresh from recent competition. Tennessee sees its heavier early schedule – four games against three opponents – as an advantage over Virginia Tech’s two games against a single team.
“The fact that we’ve had more ice time for sure helps out,” Iles said. “We’ve had more time as a team.”
With the season quickly kicking into high gear, Tennessee will look to maintain its tight defensive play while continuing to build on puck movement and shot generation.