As one would know, hockey is not that popular in the Sunshine State. However, that narrative does not stop colleges in Florida from having hockey teams.
College Hockey South Conference
The College Hockey South Conference replaces what would be the SEC for hockey. There are four divisions in CHS: the West, East, South, and D3 divisions. All of the Florida colleges are grouped into the South Division of the CHS.
University of Tampa Spartans
Led by freshman forward Cole Vallese, the Spartans won the South Division with an undefeated record of 14-0 in division play and 26-0 overall. Tampa was ranked 1st overall in the entire College Hockey Federation.
Florida Atlantic University Owls
FAU had a very good season but unfortunately fell short to the impeccable season of the Tampa Spartans. The Owls had a record of 11-1-0-2 inside the division and 17-5 overall. The FAU Owls finished 7th in the CHF rankings last season.
Florida Gators
The Gators had a relatively good season last year going 9-3-0-2 in division play and 13-8-1 overall. The Gators have a good future in this division; I think Florida can challenge Tampa for a title next year. Florida was ranked 13th overall in the CHF.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles
It’s not very common for an aeronautical school to have good sports teams let alone ice hockey. ERAU went 9-5 in division play and 16-10 overall. This is for sure a good opening season for the Eagles as they look to improve the program for seasons to come. The Eagles finished 22nd in just their first year in the CHF, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.
University of South Florida Bulls
USF was the last playoff team in the division and they were pretty average. The Bulls were 6-7-0-1 in division play and 14-13 overall. They were above .500 but only barely. USF was yet another new team in the division and overall they did pretty well. USF was right on ERAU’s tail in the ranking finishing 26th in the league.
University of Central Florida Knights
The Knights are the best team in the division to miss the playoffs but their season wasn’t all bad. In their first year in the league, UCF went 5-8-0-1 in division play and 11-17 overall. UCF’s first season in the league found them finishing 35th in the CHF.
Lynn University Fighting Knights
Lynn did not have a great season in 2023. They only won two games of their 19 overall and only won one divisional game. The Fighting Knights had a very tough season but I really think they can figure it out for next year. Lynn finished 60th in the CHF division.
Miami Hurricanes
University of Miami had a very predictably bad season in their inaugural year, only winning one game all season. The Hurricanes went 1-18-1 overall. I really think Miami can turn it around and have a winning program in the very near future but as it stands right now, they finished 70th in the CHF.