2025-26 Season Week 1 Preview

Game of the Week: Florida (M2) @ ERAU (M3)

It’s finally here, College Hockey South fans — the 2025–2026 season is set to begin! Opening night features a Sunshine State showdown as the University of Florida Gators (M2) take on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (M3).

The Gators will lean on last year’s leading scorer, Liam Lecauchois, as they look to return to the CHS playoffs following the graduation of key leaders, including captain Matthew Brkljacic.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are eager to start fresh after finishing 6-18-2 last season. With new faces and new opportunities, ERAU will be hungry to grab an early-season win and set the tone for a playoff push.

• Friday, September 5 – 7:00 PM ET at Daytona Ice Arena

• Sunday, September 7 – 8:00 PM ET at Community First Igloo

Follow CHS on social media for live Game of the Week coverage all weekend long!

UNC–Wilmington (M2) @ Middle Tennessee (M3)

The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (M3) open their season at home against UNC–Wilmington (M2). The Blue Raiders enter 2025–2026 riding momentum after capturing last year’s CHS Division 2 Championship. Returning top scorers Brendan Ogle, Ethan Demumbrum, and Matthew Siciliano put MTSU in prime position to defend their title.

The Seahawks will play the Blue Raiders for the first time since College Hockey South returned to the ACHA. Coming off a 16-13 season in the ACCHL Premier Division, UNCW looks to make an early statement against one of CHS’s toughest programs.

• Friday, September 5 – 8:45 PM CT

• Saturday, September 6 – 8:45 PM CT

Clemson University (W) @ University of Tennessee (W)

History will be made this weekend in the CHS Women’s Division as the Clemson Tigers take the ice for their inaugural game against the Tennessee Ice Vols.

Tennessee looks to rebound after their first season in which they finished 1-7 with a short roster. With an expanded lineup this season, the Ice Vols aim to compete in what is quickly becoming one of the deepest women’s divisions in the ACHA South.

Clemson, meanwhile, begins its CHS journey with a chance to set the tone and establish rivalries right out of the gate.

• Saturday, September 6 – 10:00 AM ET & 2:30 PM ET (doubleheader)

• Sunday, September 7 – 11:00 AM ET

UNC–Charlotte (M2) @ South Carolina Gamecocks (M3)

Week one wraps up with a Carolina clash as the defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks (M3) host the UNC–Charlotte 49ers (M2).

The Gamecocks stormed through last season with an incredible 23-0-1 record, claiming the national title without a single loss. The one blemish? A tie — against none other than UNC–Charlotte.

Will the 49ers become the first team to hand South Carolina a defeat, or will the Gamecocks keep their unbeaten streak alive in front of the home crowd?

• Saturday, September 6 – 8:30 PM ET at Flight Adventure Park

The 2025–2026 College Hockey South season is here, and week one is packed with history, rivalries, and championship-caliber matchups.

ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 30-school, 46 team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.