2025-26 Season Week 18 Recap
- Sierra Knight
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
One is the loneliest number, or so they say. Week 18 of College Hockey South brought intense matchups, plenty of penalties, and a major upset of the league’s #1 team.
As one of the featured games of the week, South Carolina and MTSU brought the energy. Game 1 showcased a South Carolina team determined to make an impact after a three-week break from competition. They wasted little time, jumping ahead early in the first. The Raiders battled back quickly, setting the stage for a back-and-forth contest. A power-play goal gave South Carolina the lead, shifting the energy in the arena.
The Gamecocks held on to upset the Raiders in an exciting 4-3 win. It was a strong statement for South Carolina and a reminder that any team in College Hockey South can compete with and defeat top-ranked opponents, fueling the anticipation as teams look toward the playoffs.
Carrying the sting of defeat, MTSU entered Game 2 with something to prove. The Raiders netted two goals against the Gamecocks in the first few minutes of play. While the Gamecocks were able to respond with a goal mid-way through the first, the momentum had clearly shifted in the Raiders’ favor. With a dominant 7-4 victory and an impressive 4 goals from forward Matthew Siciliano, MTSU reinforced its reputation as the top team this season.
Game of the Week #2: South Carolina (W) at Clemson (W)
An exciting first-time matchup in the women’s division kept fans on the edge of their seats this weekend. The Gamecocks came out roaring to start, scoring the game’s first three goals and eventually taking a 5-1 lead. Clemson clawed back, though, with an impressive offensive performance by Nina Molina, who scored three goals and an assist. After the Tigers tied the game at six, South Carolina’s Veronica Anderson scored with a minute left to thwart the comeback attempt and pull off a thrilling 7-6 win.
With the win, South Carolina now sits at 17 points, holding a narrow edge over Clemson with 14 points. The nonstop back-and-forth served as a reminder of just how competitive the women’s College Hockey Division has become, with very narrow margins at the top of the standings.
For the second time this season, Florida Atlantic and Tampa went head-to-head in a three-game series. Tampa dominated the last series, and Florida Atlantic came in ready to prove themselves this time around. Tampa started off strong on Friday with an impressive 5-2 win.
The Owls came in for Day 2 with determination and drive, winning 4-3 in overtime. As both teams entered Sunday with one win each, a highly competitive game was anticipated.
FAU came out firing from puck drop, being relentless in their offensive game. The Spartans struggled to find their footing and, with a slow start, allowed the Owls to build a commanding lead that only continued to grow over the three periods. Florida Atlantic closed out the weekend with a dominant 10-4 victory over Tampa.
Although the score was heavily one-sided, the showdown was anything but dull! Florida Atlantic and Tampa racked up more than 200 penalty minutes as tempers flared on the ice. Players cycled through the penalty box, leaving both teams shorthanded. The Owls took the series this time but reminded us all why this matchup is one of the best in CHS.
Tampa (W) at Florida (W)
Two powerhouse teams faced off for an exciting CHS matchup over the weekend in their second matchup of the season, battling for momentum heading into the postseason. Tampa came out determined to end their regular season on a high note, heading into the playoffs, and wasted no time making their statement on the season.
Tampa's offense dominated from the moment the puck dropped, finding the back of the net five times in an impressive victory over a dominant Florida team. Tampa’s defense limited Florida to just 2 goals, ending its recent offensive streak.
With the win, the Spartans clinched their third straight undefeated CHS season, finishing with a perfect 10-0 in CHS play. Tampa has won all 29 of its College Hockey South regular season conference games in the three-year history of the Women’s Division. Both teams will be strong contenders heading into the playoffs.
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.