2025-26 Season Week 13 Preview

As we move deeper into the back half of the season, the intensity across College Hockey South continues to ramp up. Rivalries remain fierce, standings are tightening, and every weekend feels a little more like playoff hockey. Week 13 has no shortage of drama—and it all begins with our Game of the Week.

Game of the Week: University South Florida Bulls (M3) at University of Tampa Spartans (M3)

This one is going to be good. Two programs separated by only a few miles but fueled by years of competitive fire. Whenever USF and Tampa meet, the atmosphere feels bigger than the standings—where rivalry pride, regional bragging rights, and postseason implications all collide.

Tampa enters the weekend at 12-4-0-0, carrying strong momentum into December. Meanwhile, USF has been equally sharp, posting a 14-2-1-0 record and proving they are one of the toughest teams in the division.

This matchup gives both squads a chance to measure themselves as the season intensifies. Can Tampa defend home ice and keep rolling, or will the Bulls stampede into Clearwater Ice Arena and make a statement?

• Sunday, Dec. 7 – 12:00 PM EST (Clearwater Ice Arena)

Florida Southern Mocs (M3) vs Saint Leo Lions

Two emerging CHS programs meet this weekend in a series that offers both teams an opportunity to build momentum before the holiday break.

Florida Southern enters at 6-5-1-0, seeking more consistency on both sides of the puck, while Saint Leo sits at 2-8-0-0 in the ACDC and is looking to continue developing its structured, hard-working identity. Saint Leo has recently shown flashes of sustained offensive pressure, something the Lions hope to build on heading into the weekend.

With both programs hungry to climb the standings, this series could set the tone for an important upcoming stretch.

• Friday, Dec. 5  – 4:00 PM EST (Lakeland Ice Arena)

• Saturday, Dec. 6 – 9:00 PM EST (Nest Hockey Academy)

University of Tennessee Ice Vols (M3) at Kennesaw State University Owls (M3)

As the season advances, every game becomes more meaningful—and this matchup is no exception.

Tennessee carries a three-game win streak into the weekend, with an offense that has grown stronger week after week. The Ice Vols look to build on that momentum and continue shaping their identity heading into December.

Kennesaw State enters at 4-12-0-0, aiming for a rebound and renewed confidence. The Owls will look to push the pace and generate more offensive pressure as they work to turn their season around.

• Saturday, Dec. 5 – 10:30 PM EST (Atlanta Ice House)

Austin Peay State University Govs (M3) at Ole Miss Rebs (M3)

APSU heads to Oxford looking to respond after coming up short in their previous matchup against Ole Miss—a series where the Rebs posted an impressive 16 goals.

Ole Miss will aim to carry that offensive momentum into the weekend, while APSU seeks to tighten play on both ends of the ice and capitalize on scoring chances to stay competitive on the road.

For APSU, this series provides a valuable test against a seasoned opponent. For Ole Miss, it’s another chance to reinforce their standing and continue building momentum. Fans should expect a high-energy, strategic matchup where every shift matters.

• Friday, Dec. 5 – 7:15 PM EST (Mid-South Ice House)

• Saturday, Dec. 6 – 8:15 PM EST (Mid-South Ice House)

Follow College Hockey South on social media for Game of the Week coverage, live updates, and post-game recaps throughout the weekend.

ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 29-school, 45 team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.