2025-26 Season Week 17 Recap
- Payton Prichard
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Week 17 delivered statement performances in the Women’s Division at the Gasparilla Showcase and meaningful positioning battles in Men’s Division 3 as teams continue to jockey for playoff spots. With the postseason fast approaching, here’s what you missed across College Hockey South over the weekend.
Game of the Week: Tampa (W) vs Clemson (W)
The stage was set in Wesley Chapel as Clemson, one of the newest programs in the Women’s Division, took on the CHS-undefeated Tampa Lady Spartans in a highly anticipated matchup.
Despite entering the weekend unbeaten, the Tigers were unable to slow down Tampa’s relentless pace and fell 9-1. Clemson had allowed just nine goals across seven games prior to the Gasparilla Showcase, but ran into a buzzsaw in Florida, getting outscored 24-9 across three games.
Ella Schaefer opened the scoring early for Tampa, setting the tone for a dominant night. Ava Johnson led the charge offensively with a hat trick, as the Lady Spartans showcased their depth and finishing ability. Clemson’s lone goal came on the power play from Alyssa Laurino, but Tampa controlled play from start to finish to secure the 9-1 victory.
CHS Gasparilla Showcase
The Tampa Lady Spartans proved why they sit atop the Women’s Division standings, rolling past South Florida and Clemson by scores of 9-2 and 9-1. Ava Johnson’s hat trick against Clemson highlighted the weekend, while Molly Braga chipped in two goals and an assist against the Ice Bulls.
After a tough opening loss to Tampa, South Florida bounced back in emphatic fashion, shutting out Miami 11-0. Cailin Rodkey paced the Ice Bulls with a hat trick and an assist, while Skye Tittle added two goals and two assists in the dominant win.
Miami struggled to find momentum, extending a losing streak from before winter break with losses to Auburn and South Florida. The Hurricanes’ lone goal of the weekend came from Alex Meola, assisted by Allie Litzinger.
Clemson endured a difficult road trip, dropping three straight games at the Showcase after starting the CHS season 7-0-0. The Tigers will now look to regroup as playoff seeding looms.
Auburn earned a gritty 6-5 win over Clemson in a physical matchup, with Gabby Donato and Rachel Guardino scoring twice each. The Tigers followed that up with an offensive explosion against Miami, cruising to a 12-1 win behind Averi Zhong, who factored into five goals.
Florida closed its weekend with a 9-3 win over Clemson, featuring goals from four different Gators.
Upsets, blowouts, and momentum swings defined the Gasparilla Showcase — and the playoff picture is beginning to take shape.
Men’s Division 3 Playoffs
With postseason implications looming, Vanderbilt traveled to Clemson searching for a critical result — and delivered.
The Commodores picked up a 6-2 win over the Tigers in the opener of their two-game set, earning a massive upset that strengthens their push for the 12th and final playoff spot. The second game of the series was cancelled due to weather, but Vanderbilt had already done enough to make a statement.
With the playoffs set to begin February 26, the possibility of a first-round rematch between these two teams is very real.
CHS Playoffs Are Almost Here
The 2026 College Hockey South Playoffs are right around the corner, running February 26 through March 1 at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, Florida. A total of 29 teams will compete across 35 games in four days, making this the largest postseason event in conference history — a true “mini nationals” atmosphere.
Single-day tickets and weekend passes are available now, and all games will be streamed live on the College Hockey South YouTube channel.
Looking Ahead: CHS Prospect Showcase
College Hockey South is also gearing up for its second annual Prospect Showcase, returning this summer after a highly successful inaugural event. The showcase provides prospective student-athletes with competitive exposure, direct interaction with CHS coaches, and an inside look at the collegiate club hockey experience.
More details, registration information, and event updates can be found below:
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.