“Girls Try Hockey for Free” Returns to the Columbus Classic

Molly Golden
Sep 3
2 min read

College Hockey South (CHS) is proud to announce the return of its “Girls Try Hockey for Free” event as part of the 2025 Columbus Classic in Columbus, Georgia. This marks the second year for the initiative, which has quickly become one of the most meaningful highlights of the weekend.

“For College Hockey South, this event represents the heart of our mission: to grow the game, create opportunities for young girls, and show families across the Southeast that hockey belongs here,” said Savannah Prefontaine, Assistant Commissioner for the CHS Women’s Division.

The event is free to all who register and is designed to introduce young girls to the sport, giving them a chance to learn the basics in a welcoming, fun environment. It will take place on Sunday, September 21st, from 10:15–11:15 a.m. at the Columbus Ice Rink — just before the Columbus Classic Championship Game.

Building on the success of last year’s debut session, which was led by Auburn Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Jack Rosenhammer, this year’s program will once again feature Rosenhammer alongside several CHS women’s athletes, offering participants an authentic on-ice experience with collegiate players.

“It means a lot to me being a female hockey player from up north,” said Avery Gugliotta, defenseman for the University of Tampa. “My freshman year, the Columbus Classic was the first time I played a college game, and every year it reminds me how lucky I am that I got to continue playing at a higher level. It’s even cooler knowing that I’m helping to create opportunities for others that I never thought I would have after high school.”

The “Girls Try Hockey for Free” event continues to reflect CHS’s commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation of female athletes across the Southeast.

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.