Tar Heels Secure 3-1 Victory Over Wake Forest

By Caleb Herrera (@calebherrera)

HILLSBOROUGH, NC – The first game of the Tar Heels 2024-2025 campaign saw a sellout crowd and a physical, energetic game for the Heels. Forward Daniel Hu scored the game-winning goal Saturday night to secure a 3-1 victory for the Tar Heels in the 2024-25 season opener against Wake Forest, thrilling a sellout home crowd.

After an initial shot from the blue line and a scramble in front of the net, the puck eventually found itself on the stick of the first-year New York native, burying his first of his Tar Heel Hockey career. His goal not only solidified the victory but also showcased the depth and fresh talent that the new roster brings to the ice this season.

”It feels good to be a part of the team and contribute,” Hu said. “I really like playing with everyone, we played really well.”

Wake Forest was the first to find the back of the net, taking advantage of a powerplay opportunity midway through the first period. Forward William Cahill beat UNC goaltender Lucas Brown at the 15:30 mark with a well-placed shot, giving the Demon Deacons an early 1-0 lead.

However, the Tar Heels quickly regained their footing. After surviving an onslaught of pressure from Wake Forest’s offensive surge, the team struck back with new recruit Will Smith registering his first career goal for the Tar Heels, beating Wake Forest goaltender Owen Polombo and tying the game.

The momentum swung sharply in UNC’s favor less than 10 seconds later when team captain Patrick O’Shaughnessy found the back of the net to give the Tar Heels a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

UNC controlled the offensive tempo of the game for much of the night, outshooting Wake Forest 32-18. The Heels were able to generate scoring opportunities and apply pressure which ultimately was the key to success.

The team capitalized on one of seven power-play opportunities while successfully killing off four of Wake Forest’s five man advantage chances.

Head Coach Steve Rice in his first game behind the bench for UNC expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but also noted that puck movement, specifically on special teams, is an area for improvement along with finishing more on offensive chances. He also noted that they are things that will be adjusted as he becomes more acclimated with the team.

Goaltender Lucas Brown was solid in net despite not facing very many shots, stopping 12 of the 13 shots he faced.

The Tar Heels will welcome Cock Hockey of South Carolina on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 6 & 7) in a back-to-back series. The first game is set for Friday, Sept. 6 at the Orange County Sportsplex with puck drop at 10:15 p.m. Tickets are available here.