CHS Week 14 Preview
By: Russ Eddins
Week 14 has an assortment of intriguing and vital matchups. Several series have playoff implications, with some teams fighting to stay in a playoff spot and others looking to get into one.
Game of the Week: Alabama-Huntsville vs. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt University hosts the University of Alabama in Huntsville in a pivotal two-game series. Game one is the game of the week and starts Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
The Commodores have 12 points standing at second place in Division 2 North. Meanwhile, the Chargers are fourth with eight points.
Vanderbilt has formed an aggressive play-style this season, but UAH has maintained a strong defense. The two teams are sure to deliver an exciting battle this weekend.
“My focus is on ensuring the team remains grounded and disciplined without getting overly confident,” said head coach of the Commodores, Max Mona.
The Commodores are also coming out of an incredible sweep against Clemson University last weekend. The momentum from these wins may provide the energy they need going into the games against the Chargers.
Game two is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
This week's Game of the Week can be watched here.
Tampa (D2) vs. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (D2)
Daytona Ice Arena, home of ERAU, will host game one at 7:00 p.m. ET Friday. Game two will be a home game for the University of Tampa at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The Spartans like to focus on maintaining puck possession. The Eagles, on the other hand, read and react to their opponents to decide their forechecking system. ERAU could play very aggressively to get the Spartans out of their game plan.
With two wins over ERAU, the Spartans can propel themselves into a playoff spot, while a win for the Eagles would help maintain theirs.
MTSU vs. Georgia Tech
Both Middle Tennessee State University and Georgia Institute of Technology are currently on the outside looking into the playoffs. Each team could secure a playoff position if they pick up two wins and sweep UAH.
The Blue Raiders like to mix up their defensive systems to keep their opponents on their heels. The Yellow Jackets lack firepower up front; therefore, MTSU could shut them down offensively this weekend.
Both games are at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday. Georgia Tech will host the series at the Atlanta IceForum.
Florida State University vs. Alabama (D3)
The University of Alabama is fifth in CHS Division 3, while FSU is sixth. This series will have significant playoff implications for both teams.
Alabama has a good penalty kill, but FSU has a streaky power play that could catch fire. FSU may find its hands full with Alabama’s structured, clean playstyle.
Game one is at 8:00 p.m. CT, and game two is at 6:45 p.m. CT. The Pelham Civic Complex will host both games.
University of North Florida vs. University of South Florida (D3)
The University of South Florida is the last Division 3 team to occupy a playoff spot. The University of North Florida is 11th in Division 3, but a win over the Ice Bulls could catapult the team into a playoff position.
“It’s also senior night for us, so I think they’ll be both mentally and physically ready to grind it out with them,” said USF head coach Marc Leniek.
USF must combat the forward speed of the Ospreys to have a successful weekend. However, with UNF's shorter bench, they could find it challenging to play a complete game against the Ice Bull's physical style.
The lone game in the series will be at AdventHealth Center Ice and start at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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