By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols will host the Fairfield Stags in their final home series of the semester. After splitting a weekend series…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols will host the Fairfield Stags in their final home series of the semester.
After splitting a weekend series with South Carolina, Tennessee is looking to build upon their continued growth in rhythm and chemistry on the ice. In a back-and-forth defensive battle in Saturday night’s game, younger players such as Braeden Graham and Chris Free stepped up to fill in for Tyler Rose and Finn DeStefano.
While Sunday’s game was a defensive struggle, Tennessee’s offense was able to showcase their ability to rally when needed. The first two periods did not reflect the Ice Vol’s typical energy and connection, but the third period was a more accurate representation of their skill level. Despite falling short by one goal, the team demonstrated cohesive play under pressure.
“It got to a point where even if we don’t win, let’s do something for ourselves and have some pride in our game,” forward Mitchell Spranklin said. “The spark of having pride in our game and not getting shut out - along with a few goals - and we were right back in that game.”
Fairfield most recently faced the Tampa Spartans in a home weekend series, falling 6-2 on Nov. 7 and 7-4 on Nov. 8. Earlier in the season, Tennessee also played the Spartans at home, splitting the series.
Traveling almost 12 1/2 hours from Connecticut, the Stags will enter the weekend with a 5-6 losing record against the Ice Vols’ 6-5 mark.
“We need to want to sweep,” Spranklin said. “We know Fairfield is a good team, and they are coming off of two losses, so they will be hungry to win. Knowing they will come out hard, getting them uncomfortable early in the game will be super important.”
Sunday’s game will not only close out the Ice Vols’ home slate for the semester, it will also serve as a Military Appreciation Game.
The event holds particular meaning for the team, as one of its own is preparing for service. Tennessee defenseman Finn DeStefano is a cadet in the ROTC program on campus and will serve eight years in the Army after graduation as a part of his scholarship commitment.
Managing classes, ROTC and hockey as a freshman experiencing his first year away from home, DeStefano is learning to navigate both adulthood and military preparation.
“I wouldn’t say it’s easy,” DeStefano said. “Being able to balance late-night studying, early mornings doing PT, on top of being physically ready for hockey, is definitely a struggle. But I have a backbone within ROTC and their support with hockey and support from Coach King with ROTC.”
The Ice Vols will debut new military jerseys, a national anthem performance featuring an electric guitar, and a ceremonial puck drop from Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Michael Wellock.
“A Military Appreciation Game means a lot to me because a lot of my role models growing up were a part of the military,” DeStefano said. “I want to make sure we honor those who have served but also those we’ve lost due to their military service.”
Fans are encouraged to attend the Ice Vols’ last home games of the semester as they host the Stags on Nov. 14 at 10:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 11:15 a.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. All active military members and Veterans will recieve free admission to Sunday’s Military Apprecation Game.