By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols travel to Mississippi this weekend to take on the Ole Miss Rebs at Mid-South Ice House. Tennessee opened it…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols travel to Mississippi this weekend to take on the Ole Miss Rebs at Mid-South Ice House.
Tennessee opened its season at home last weekend with a sweep of Auburn. A new roster, coaching staff and uniforms debuted for the Ice Vols, who shut out Auburn 8-0 last Friday before defeating the Tigers 6-1 on Sunday.
“We had a couple of mistakes we have to fix from last weekend,” returner Tommy Carroll said. “But we are rolling into this weekend with a more finished product.”
Seven of Tennessee’s 14 goals last weekend were scored by newcomers. Jacob Kulas made an immediate impact, earning first star of the weekend. Mitchell Spranklin was named second star, followed by Kieran Crossan.
“He [Kulas] is a super skilled guy,” Carroll said. “He’s fast, and he’s working really well with Mitchell. They are both speedy, skilled guys. I think they will take it up a notch this weekend.”
Tennessee now travels to Mississippi to face Ole Miss, which went 5-13 last season, finishing just below the Ice Vols in the standings. The Rebels also opened their season with a sweep of Alabama. However, after starting their season significantly earlier than Tennessee, Ole Miss now holds a record of 2-4.
In addition to Alabama, Ole Miss has played Florida on the road and Arkansas at home.
Despite sweeping Auburn, Tennessee knows there is still room for improvement as the season progresses.
“We are working on holding in those systems,” Carroll said. “Just trying to work out the kinks of the first weekend and going into a fresh start this weekend.”
The Ice Vols begin the season 2-0 and will look to extend their winning streak on the road.
Tennessee will take on Ole Miss at 10:15 p.m. ET Friday and 5:15 p.m. ET Sunday. Both games will be streamed on the Ole Miss Hockey YouTube Channel.