2025 Columbus Classic

On September 19–21, 2025, College Hockey South will take its talents to the Columbus Ice Rink for the third annual Columbus Classic. This three-day event in Columbus, GA, will showcase the premier women’s collegiate hockey programs in the South.

This year’s field expands to eight teams, up from six in 2024. Seven returning programs highlight the lineup: the Tampa Lady Spartans, South Florida Lady Bulls, Georgia Ice Dawgs, Auburn Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks, Miami Hurricanes, and Alabama Frozen Tide. Making their tournament debut are the Tennessee Ice Vols, the lone newcomer to the 2025 Classic.

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

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

Tiebreakers (if teams finish with equal points):

1. Goals against

2. Goal differential

3. Goals for

4. Fewest penalties

5. Fastest goal scored

Spotlight on the Defending Champs

The expanded field will look to dethrone the two-time defending champion Tampa Lady Spartans, who remain undefeated through the first two installments of the Columbus Classic. But will anyone have what it takes to end their reign?

Lady Spartans head coach Carlos Pineros on whether his team feels the pressure of being the favorite:

“Not really. We’re just looking to play teams we don’t normally get to play. With a different format this year, the goal is to go 3-0, and if that means winning the tournament, then we’ll take it.”

When asked how his program plans to maintain its standard of dominance, Pineros added:

“We have many of the same players from last season returning, and I’m sure we’ll also have some new additions. We look to build on our strengths from previous seasons, while making improvements in the areas where we were lacking.”

He closed with confidence in his team’s preparation:

“I’m looking forward to the whole team coming together to compete. As long as everyone does their job, we’ll be just fine.”

The 2025 Columbus Classic promises high-energy matchups, new rivalries, and a strong showcase of women’s collegiate hockey. For College Hockey South, this is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a thrilling season.

ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 30-school, 46 team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.