The University of Georgia Ice Dawgs are set to make their mark as the top-seeded team in the College Hockey South Division 1 playoffs, with the added advantage of hosting the tournament at their new home, Akins Ford Arena.
"Hosting the College Hockey South Division 1 and Women’s Division playoffs at the new Akins Ford Arena is a special opportunity for UGA Hockey, our fans, and all conference members,” head coach John Camp said. “The growth of college hockey in the South is significant, and we are excited to showcase CHS, along with each of the member women's and D1 teams that will be competing this weekend in the Classic City, Athens, GA."
Akins Ford Arena, located just off the university’s campus in downtown Athens, can hold up to 5,500 fans for hockey games and is home to both the Ice Dawgs as well as the Athens Rock Lobsters, a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
This season, the Ice Dawgs have led the way in Division 1 action, sitting on top of the College Hockey South standings (10-0-2) and second in the AAU national rankings (19-1-3).
“We have worked hard all season to get that top seed, and having the chance to win it in front of our fans is a cool opportunity,” Josh Mesaros (26) said.
This Ice Dawg team has waited for a long time to play in front of a home crowd. Over the past two seasons the team has played most of their games on the road --whether that be road trips or ‘home games’ over an hour away from Athens.
“It’s a great feeling to host the CHS tournament in Athens. It’s such a blessing to finally have a permanent rink to call home after spending multiple years traveling to the majority of our games,” senior goaltender Ryan Testino (31) said.
As the number one-seeded team, the Ice Dawgs received a bye in the first round but will take the ice on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. versus the lowest-seeded winner of Friday’s games.
“Playoffs is an exciting time for everyone, but us being able to host it and being the number one seed is special. We would love to keep it here in Athens and celebrate properly. I believe we have a great chance to do so as long as we play our game and stay focused,” Mesaros said.
As playoffs kick off Friday, every team will be in the hunt, but the Ice Dawgs will look to take home the championship in front of a home crowd.
“Having the chance to win the tournament at home is an amazing opportunity, and I know all the guys on our team are excited to get the job done,” Testino said.
The College Hockey South Division 1 playoffs will take place from February 7-9, 2025, at the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, GA. For more information, visit 2025 Division 1 Playoffs.
ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 30-school, 50-team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states that competes in AAU College Hockey. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.
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