2025-26 Season Week 3 Preview

This weekend, College Hockey South will host the third annual Columbus Classic. This three-day event in Columbus, GA, will showcase the premier women’s collegiate hockey programs in the South from September 19th to the 21st.

College Hockey South will also host their second iteration of “Girls Try Hockey for free”. The event aims to grow the game, create opportunities for young girls, and demonstrate to families across the Southeast that hockey is a part of the South. 

2025 Columbus Classic Schedule

Friday, September 19

• 1:15 PM ET – Auburn vs Georgia

• 3:30 PM ET – South Florida vs Alabama

• 5:45 PM ET – Miami vs Tennessee

• 8:00 PM ET – Tampa vs South Carolina

Saturday, September 20

• 11:00 AM ET – Miami vs Georgia

• 1:15 PM ET – Auburn vs South Florida

• 3:30 PM ET – Tennessee vs South Carolina

• 5:45 PM ET – Tampa vs Alabama (Game of the Week)

Sunday, September 21

• 8:00 AM ET – Consolation Game One

• 10:15 AM ET – Girls Try Hockey for Free Event

• 11:30 AM ET – Championship Game

• 1:45 PM ET – Consolation Game Two

• 4:00 PM ET – Consolation Game Three

Tournament Format

Point System:

• 3 points – Regulation win

• 2 points – Overtime/shootout win

• 1 point – Overtime/shootout loss

• 0 points – Regulation loss

All games for the Columbus Classic will be streamed on the College Hockey South YouTube.

Game of the Week: Tampa (W) vs Alabama (W)

REIGNING CHAMPS: 

The Tampa Lady Spartans head into the Columbus Classic as the back-to-back champions and remain undefeated in Classic play. Their toughest test in Columbus came last season against the Alabama Frozen Tide, in the opening game of their thrilling three-game series. Powered by a Molly Braga hat trick, Tampa skated to a 4–2 victory.

This year, Tampa returns a strong core from its championship rosters while welcoming key newcomers eager to make their mark. The mission: continue their reign atop the women’s division.

SEEKING REDEMPTION: 

The Frozen Tide are determined to capture their first Columbus Classic crown. Following a historic inaugural season, Alabama rolled to a conference championship and even pulled off an upset over Tampa in one of their marquee matchups.

The Tide started last season red-hot, winning 13 of their first 15 games, and they bring back plenty of firepower — including CHS’s reigning Women’s Division MVP, Claire Carson.

Head Coach Anya Laxton summed it up best: her team is “fierce, competitive, and champions.”

With two powerhouse programs colliding, the 2025 Columbus Classic promises high energy, budding rivalries, and a showcase of the very best women’s collegiate hockey.

Around the League

South Carolina (M2) @ Tampa (M2)

The Tampa Spartans M2 squad will raise their 2025 AAU National Championship banner on Friday night before facing the South Carolina Gamecocks. The defending champs aim to start the season off strong against a formidable Gamecocks program.

• Game 1: Friday, Sept. 19 @ 8:30 PM ET (Clearwater Ice Arena)

• Game 2: Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 2:00 PM ET (Clearwater Ice Arena)

Florida (M2) @ Florida Atlantic (M2)

The Florida Atlantic Owls also celebrate their National Championship at home this weekend — but there’s no time to bask in the moment. The Florida Gators come to town, and with only three Division 2 squads (FAU, Florida, Tampa) in CHS, every matchup will carry major playoff implications.

• Game 1: Friday, Sept. 19 @ 6:45 PM ET (Boca Ice)

• Game 2: Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 5:30 PM ET (Baptist Health IcePlex | FTL War Memorial)

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.