The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547338
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 ■ 21 Jersey over a three-year span. But with the growth of the IcePack, it became apparent that the program offered an opportunity for him to play high-level hockey close to home once again. "It's great for me, selfishly," Ammons said with a laugh of having his son back in town again. "The program increased so much, the talent level, the league, who they're playing. NC State became a very valuable and attractive option for kids like him, the junior players." As a result, Jack Ammons has scored a team-high 12 goals (three game-win- ners) with 7 assists through the first 14 games. He's not alone, however. Daniel Prazma has tallied 9 goals and 11 assists, while Noah Fitzsimons owns 6 goals and 6 assists over that stretch. Although the IcePack has been able to become a quality program on a national level, playing twice per weekend all over the country with outdoor games set for Bend, Ore., (against Oregon) and Char- lotte (against Liberty) in January, it's not financially backed by the university. Instead, the program is self-support- ing, funding its own budget to pay for a head coach, an assistant and a trainer, in addition to the price of ice time and travel that comes with playing all over the country. Ticket sales for its games inside Lane Arena at the Wake Competition Center are the main source of revenue for the IcePack, while jersey sales and dona- tions make up a majority of the other funding needed to play each season. It's not uncommon for each home contest to draw close to 1,500 fans per game in Morrisville, N.C., while its neu- tral-site game against UNC inside the Lenovo Center last season had about 10,000 in attendance. The home games, and the ticket sales that accompany them, have become a key part of the program's ability to play and fund itself on its own at a high level. There's always room for new fans in- side the raucous environment that the team gets each weekend it plays on Fri- day and Saturday nights. Those who aren't in town are able to watch every home game live on ESPN+. From Ammons' perspective, it's a perfect opportunity for Wolfpack fans to make their way out to the venue to catch an IcePack game to support one of the fastest-growing teams on campus. "The whole spectacle around hockey for NC State keeps growing," Ammons said. "It's just more exciting every year." ■ The complete IcePack schedule, ticket information and opportunities to donate to support the program can be found at www.icepackhockey.com. " The whole spectacle around hockey for NC State keeps growing. It's just more exciting every year." Jeff Ammons Wake Competition Center developer and Wolfpack Club member Jeff Ammons has watched local hockey flourish. His son Jack returned to the Triangle to play for the IcePack after pursuing junior hockey opportunities away from home. PHOTO BY ALEX MANUEL/ICEPACK HOCKEY.