2025-26 Season Week 20 Preview
- Sierra Knight
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The spotlight turns to Cincinnati this weekend as the 2026 American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men’s Division II Southeast Regional Tournament gets underway. Some of the top M2 programs in the country will battle for a spot at Nationals — and College Hockey South will be well represented on the ACHA stage.
Three CHS teams have earned bids to the Southeast Regional, which begins play Saturday, February 21. The format is simple: win on Saturday to advance to Sunday, and win again on Sunday to punch a ticket to the ACHA M2 National Tournament. Only four of the 16 regional teams will move on, making every game a must-win.
The growth and competitiveness of CHS hockey will be on full display this weekend.
(#2-SE) Tampa Spartans vs. (#15-SE) Georgia Ice Dawgs
The Tampa Spartans have been a force all season, finishing with a 14-8-2 record and consistently holding strong positioning in the Southeast rankings. Entering the tournament as the #2 seed, Tampa carries both momentum and expectation into Regionals.
Offensive production has been a hallmark of the Spartans’ success, and they’ll look to lean on that firepower as they open tournament play. With Nationals within reach, Tampa’s mission is clear: take care of business and secure their spot in St. Louis.
Saturday, February 21 at 9:00 AM EST (Queen City Sportsplex)
(#4-SE) Florida Atlantic University vs. (#13-SE) Miami (OH) Redhawks
Florida Atlantic enters the weekend as the #4 seed after an impressive 16-win season that included statement victories over Florida (M2) and Tampa (M2). The Owls have shown the ability to rise to big moments, particularly in overtime and tight contests.
FAU will face a competitive Miami (OH) squad, but the Owls have proven they can deliver under pressure. If they bring their trademark resilience and timely scoring into the weekend, they have a strong opportunity to make a run at one of the coveted National Tournament berths.
Saturday, February 21 at 3:30 PM EST (Queen City Sportsplex)
(#5-SE) Ohio State Buckeyes vs (#12-SE) Florida Gators
Florida may enter as the lower seed, but the Gators have shown throughout the season that they are capable of pulling off big wins. Victories over Florida Atlantic (M2), South Carolina (M2), and Tampa (M2) demonstrated their ability to compete with top-tier programs.
When Florida’s offense finds its rhythm, they become a dangerous team. If the Gators can establish momentum early and dictate pace, they have the tools to push this matchup in their favor and make noise at Regionals.
Saturday, February 21 at 6:00 PM EST (Queen City Sportsplex)
If Regionals aren’t enough hockey for you, CHS still has major in-conference matchups on tap this weekend.
Clemson (W) at South Carolina (W)
A classic state rivalry takes center ice Saturday night. Both programs have put together strong seasons, with South Carolina entering the weekend at 17 CHS points and Clemson close behind at 14.
Clemson has shown explosive offensive capability this season, including a 19-goal performance earlier in the year. South Carolina, meanwhile, has built its success on consistency and resilience, grinding out key wins in tight games.
The Gamecocks claimed the most recent meeting, giving Clemson added motivation in the rematch. Expect intensity from puck drop in a rivalry that never disappoints.
Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 PM EST (Flight Adventure Park)
Clemson (W) at South Carolina (W)
The men’s rivalry renews Friday night in a matchup that has been circled on the calendar since December. Originally scheduled earlier in the season, this clash finally gives both teams the chance to settle the score.
The two programs are separated by just two CHS points. South Carolina sits at 6-4 with 12 points, while Clemson holds a 7-6 record with 14 points. The Gamecocks enter looking to snap a three-game skid, while Clemson continues to search for consistency down the stretch.
With postseason positioning on the line and state bragging rights at stake, this one has all the makings of a charged-up battle.
Friday, February 20 at 8:30 PM EST (Flight Adventure Park)
From Cincinnati to heated in-state rivalries, Week 20 delivers high-stakes hockey at every level. Nationals are within reach, playoff positioning is tightening, and the intensity continues to rise as the season pushes toward its final stretch.
Follow College Hockey South on social media for Game of the Week coverage, live updates, and post-game recaps throughout the weekend.
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.