2025-26 Season Week 15 Preview

Get ready for another exciting weekend of College Hockey South action! With teams battling for points, positioning, and pride, this weekend promises fast-paced games, hard hits, and plenty of highlights. This week’s action is headlined by a matchup set to bring the energy, our Game of the Week.

Game of the Week: Clemson University Tigers (M3) at University of Tennessee Ice Vols (M3)

The Ice Vols are set to open their spring slate with an exciting home matchup against the Clemson Tigers. These two programs bring speed, physicality, and emotion every time they are on the ice, a fitting way to kick off 2026.

The Ice Vols will look to capitalize on home-ice advantage to build momentum and secure valuable points. Clemson, meanwhile, arrives hungry, looking to improve on its 5-3-0-0 record in CHS play and prove they can win in a challenging road environment.

With both teams focused on trending in the right direction through the final stretch, this matchup shapes up to be a fast, physical battle from the opening faceoff to the final buzzer. 

Tennessee will look to defend its home rink and start the spring on the right note, while Clemson seeks to disrupt the balance and make a statement on the road. Expect a competitive, high-intensity game that shows College Hockey South at its best.

• Friday, Jan. 16 – 7:15 PM EST (Knoxville Civic Coliseum)

• Sunday, Jan. 18 - 1:15 PM EST (Knoxville Civic Coliseum)

University of Florida Gators (ACDC) vs Florida Tech Panthers (ACDC)

This weekend, the Florida Gators take on Florida Tech in a showdown that promises intensity, skill, and a chance for both teams to make a statement. Both teams have shown skill and determination this season, and this matchup will be a true test of who can control the ice from puck drop to final buzzer.

Florida currently sits at 7-1-0-0, sitting on 14 College Hockey South points heading into this weekend's series. The Gators will be eager to respond after suffering a tough loss before the holiday break, using this series as an opportunity to reset and reassert themselves as a top contender. 

Florida Tech comes in at 5-2-0-0 with 10 CHS points and plenty of confidence, coming off a decisive win before the holiday break, aiming to continue their strong play and close the gap in the standings. With both teams hungry for a win, only one Florida program will skate away victorious.

• Friday, Jan. 16 – 9:00 PM: Florida Tech @ Florida (Community First Igloo)

• Saturday, Jan. 17 – 10:50 PM: Florida @ Florida Tech (Space Coast Ice Den)

UCF Knights (M3) at University of South Carolina Gamecocks (M3)

The UCF Knights and South Carolina Gamecocks face off in a matchup between two teams eager to make an impact as the season progresses. With national rankings on the line, this weekend presents a significant opportunity for both programs to gain momentum and refine their game heading into the latter portion of their schedules.

UCF sits at 6-6-0-1 with 13 CHS points entering the weekend, looking to respond after a tough loss to Tampa before the holiday break. The Knights will be motivated to bounce back and make a statement on the road. South Carolina comes into the series on a 3-game win streak, during which they have been putting up substantial offensive numbers and look to continue their run this weekend.

• Friday, Jan. 16 – 8:30 PM EST (Flight Adventure Park)

• Saturday, Jan. 17 – 5:00 PM EST (Flight Adventure Park)

University of Georgia Ice Dawgs (W) at University of South Carolina Gamecocks (W)

Get ready for an energized hockey showdown between the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina, which has all the makings of a must-watch matchup. With both teams tied at 10 points in the standings, this contest carries added significance as bragging rights and key positioning are both on the line.

South Carolina is bringing a high-powered offensive game, highlighted by dominant victories of 13-0 and 10-0 earlier this season. South Carolina will look to continue applying pressure and finding the back of the net. Georgia has leaned on grit and determination throughout the year and will be focused on finding greater consistency as the season reaches a critical stretch.

With the points even and plenty on the line, anticipate a closely contested game full of big plays and nonstop action. Someone’s leaving with the edge, and in a matchup this tight, every shift is going to matter.

• Saturday, Jan. 17 – 12:00 PM EST (Flight Adventure Park)

• Sunday, Jan. 18 – 10:00 AM EST (Flight Adventure Park)

University of Alabama Frozen Tide (W) at Auburn University Tigers (W)

When the Frozen Tide and Tigers meet, the stakes go beyond points—the rivalry writes its own story every time. With Alabama holding 14 points and Auburn sitting at 10, both programs know the stakes are high, not just for standings, but for the pride of the state of Alabama.

Alabama comes in riding strong, looking to build on its success and maintain control in the points race. Their speed, skill, and disciplined play have been a hallmark this season, and the Tide will be eager to assert themselves early and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Auburn is hungry to close the gap and prove it can take down its longtime rivals. With their eyes on a statement win, the Tigers will bring intensity, grit, and no shortage of physicality to the ice. Rivalry. Intensity. Pride. One rink, two rivals, and a weekend that will decide who controls the state.

• Saturday, Jan. 17 – 7:30 PM EST (Columbus Ice Rink)

• Sunday, Jan. 18 – 1:00 PM EST (Columbus Ice Rink)

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.