With three games and two opponents left in the regular season, the Florida Ice Hockey Club is looking to reach the postseason and to repeat its 2024 national championship magic.
The path starts with a matchup against Florida Atlantic University. In their first meeting this season against the Owls on Sept. 19, the Gators could not find the back of the net in a 6-0 loss. However, the Gators came back from the shutout two nights later to defeat FAU 3-1.
Later in the season, FAU skated circles around Florida in a three-game series from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, dominating all three nights.
Junior forward Jackson Nieuwendyk and sophomore defenseman Brady Baehser lead FAU’s roster in points this season, with 31 apiece. Florida must also keep an eye on junior forwards Leon Biller and Jake Murphy, who serve as additional offensive catalysts.
As for Florida’s roster, the top-line producers are freshman forward Brian Pine with 25 points and junior defenseman Noah Horwitz with 19 points.
While Florida hockey has consistently shown they can generate chances for themselves, FAU should be watched for their ability to turn stops into instant offense.
UF rotates between senior goaltender Connor Lee and freshman goaltender Zachary Shield. Despite who is in the net, they will need to remain sharp against the Owls’ attack.
Gators will also have to make it past FAU junior goaltender Rocco Bruno, who has been on point this season.
As for the matchup against the University of Central Florida, the two-game series will mark the finale of the Gators’ regular season. Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 will be Florida’s first time competing against Knights hockey this season.
UCF’s season point-leaders are forwards Jacob Fuller (21), Jacob Graziotti (18) and Colin Jackson (15).
The Knights have proved they can defend their home ice, recently snapping a four-game losing streak in a matchup against Embry-Riddle. Coming up, the Gators will have to work hard defensively to keep the UCF shots on goal at a low to protect their net.
These games represent the push for position as Florida aims to improve its rank as much as it can to hopefully head into the postseason.
The Gators will compete Friday against Florida Atlantic University. Puck drop is at 7:15 p.m. at Clearwater Ice Arena.
Contact Nicole Scura at nscura@alligator.org. Follow her on X @NicoleScuraa.
Nicole is a sophomore journalism student in her first semester with the Alligator and she is the beat reporter for the University of Florida Ice Hockey Club. In her free time, Nicole enjoys figure skating, watching football (Go Bucs!), traveling and linedancing.
