2025-26 Season Week 8 Preview

The third installment of the College Hockey South-hosted Battle at the Beach Tournament, presented by Visit Lauderdale, is set for this weekend at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, Florida.

For the first time, the tournament expands to eight teams across two divisions — doubling the field, doubling the action, and raising the stakes higher than ever before.

Battle Division

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (M3) – Tournament debut

Florida Atlantic University (M2) – Third appearance

Lynn University (M3) – Second straight appearance

University of Tampa (M3) – Third appearance

Beach Division

Florida Atlantic University (M3) – Debut

Florida State University (ACDC) – Debut

Florida Tech (ACDC) – Debut

University of Florida (ACDC) – Debut

Schedule & Matchups

Saturday, October 25

Battle Division

Game 1 – 4:45 PM | Lynn (M3) vs Tampa (M3)

Game 3 – 7:30 PM | Embry-Riddle (M3) vs FAU (M2)

Beach Division

Game 2 – 5:00 PM | Florida Tech (ACDC) vs FAU (M3)

Game 4 – 7:45 PM | Florida State (ACDC) vs Florida (ACDC) (Week 8 Game of the Week)

Sunday, October 26

Battle Division

3rd Place Game – 12:45 PM | Loser G1 vs Loser G3

Championship – 1:15 PM | Winner G1 vs Winner G3

Beach Division

3rd Place Game – 10:00 AM | Loser G2 vs Loser G4

Championship – 10:30 AM | Winner G2 vs Winner G4

Tickets & Streaming

Fans can purchase tickets at the door or online at CollegeHockeySouth.com.

Weekend Pass: $25

Single-Day (Adult): $20

Single-Day (Child/Senior): $15

All games will be streamed live on the College Hockey South YouTube channel, so fans can catch every moment of the action whether in the arena or watching from home.

The 2025 Battle at the Beach is proudly presented by Visit Lauderdale, inviting fans to experience everything Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer — from vibrant beaches to world-class dining and entertainment.

Game of the Week: Florida (ACDC) vs Florida State (ACDC)

Saturday night’s primetime showdown features one of the state’s most heated rivalries — Florida vs Florida State — meeting on the ice for the first time this season.

The Seminoles have owned the series over the past two years, but they enter the weekend looking to rebound after a slow start and a tough sweep at the hands of North Florida. With only four games played so far, FSU will need to shake off the rust quickly to keep their streak alive.

The Gators, meanwhile, enter Coral Springs red-hot, having won four of their last five. They’ll look to build on last year’s near-Cinderella playoff run at the Panthers IceDen, where they fell just short of a conference championship against South Carolina.

The winner of this rivalry clash not only earns early-season bragging rights but also locks in a spot in the Beach Division Championship, where they’ll face the winner of Florida Atlantic (M3) vs Florida Tech (ACDC).

Around the League

Week 8 delivers several intriguing playoff rematches from last season, starting with the South Florida Ice Bulls traveling north to face Clemson.

The two teams last met in the CHS Division 2 semifinals, where USF came out on top 5-3 in a penalty-filled contest. Only two of the eight goals were scored at even strength, and Clemson’s lack of discipline — 65 penalty minutes to USF’s six — proved costly. Expect another physical and fiery matchup this time around.

On the women’s side, Georgia has a shot at redemption after multiple losses to Auburn, most recently in the Columbus Classic. Both teams enter the weekend seeking consistency, with a combined record of 9-9-0-0 to start the season.

Season Debut: Florida Women’s Hockey Joins the Fold

History will be made this weekend as the University of Florida Women’s Hockey Team officially makes its debut in College Hockey South.

The Gators will open their inaugural CHS campaign at Clearwater Ice Arena, facing the Tampa Lady Spartans before closing out the weekend against the South Florida Lady Bulls.

It’s a milestone moment for women’s hockey in the Sunshine State — and one fans won’t want to miss.

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.