Latest / College Hockey Mouth / Episode 36: Grace Seamon | South Carolina Women's Hockey

Transcript

Episode 36: Grace Seamon | South Carolina Women's Hockey · College Hockey Mouth

• Devin Serra: Hello, everybody, and welcome back to College Hockey Mouth, the College Hockey South podcast, episode 36. Happy to be back on, missed last week, and Jordan Manning, if Gugliata, Danny Boehm joined this episode, held it down. So thanks, guys. But back in the fold, Devin Sarah. And Danny, I came on telling you guys before the air that it's just been heck of a week in my world, but it's always a heck of a week in your world, more importantly. So tell me what you've been up to and do you have any football news as you always do? College Hockey South: Well, because of our our special guest this week, I'm gonna hold my football commentary until we bring her on because I have a fellow Gamecock with me. We outnumber you, Devin, and I'm so excited about it. but more importantly, this past weekend was Columbus. Columbus Classic, which was, by far the best one we've had in terms of game quality. The games were ridiculous. super high level play. you know, we posted goals of the week today and it was all from Columbus and they were all legitimate. It wasn't just like for the brand. It was all, you know, fantastic goals, including one of Grace's, which was super clutch to add on to the fact that it was a nice play. but yeah, it's unfortunate that some of the teams had to drop out due to weather and also girls try hockey for free was was canceled, which is, a super bright spot in in the season. But ultimately I think our focus and priority goes in the health and well being of of the teams, players and everyone coming to the event. And, from all accounts it seems like everyone made made the trips to and from Columbus safely. So it wasn't the full field, but still a really, really good field. Great tournament. and we'll have plenty to talk about. so yeah, that that was my weekend, Devin. I had a great time out in Columbus while you were by the way, guys, I don't know if we've mentioned before, but Devin also works on the Hockey House podcast. it's a little rinky think thing. they have a little bit of a following. do you guys have an Instagram page, Devin? You want to plug? Devin Serra: Yes. I think you hit it the nail on the head. I don't think we need any marketing for it. it was a long weekend, to answer your question. College Hockey South: Give give your tag, go ahead. Floor's yours. Devin Serra: Well, I guess you're you you're thrusting me into it, sure. Well, hockey house was busy because we had many games in two that were close and late ones. I think I was up from I wanna say it was four o'clock in the afternoon till three AM editing content. the days are just kind of revolving door at this point. I don't even I think it's Wednesday recording this. But it's one of those like you wake up, you're like, I gotta edit a podcast today and then what was the graphic we had? shoot, I didn't post it. I forgot about this DM. So you're you're always on your toes. But it was is fun. It is trial by fire. And it's a big weekend for me personally. I've got a broadcast, first one in a couple of months coming up for Grand Valley State, men's division one Acha team and that's kind of my bread and butter. That's where I like to be. So excited for that. But it's getting cold in Michigan. I have a full jacket College Hockey South: Mm. Devin Serra: on, courtesy of Florida Atlanta cocky. And it was eighty degrees for three days, like it is in South Carolina. you know, all the time it feels like, right? But Mm, it's starting to get winter, so different for me personally. But you know, enough about us. It was fun and glad we could talk about it. And we'll get into all things South Carolina in this episode. Grace Seaman, part of South Carolina Woman's hockey, one the leading scores over the past two years there and she had a whale of a tournament out at Columbus Classics. So please welcome Grace to the pod. Grace, happy to have you on Kalachalky Mouth. Grace Seamon: Happy to be here. Can't wait to talk about some hockey. yeah, weekend was fun. Let's talk about it. Devin Serra: Yeah, we unfortunately had Avery Googliata be a healthy scratch late here in in our running, so she won't be joining us, but we know she teed up a lot of good information for you and I know Danny has a lot of good notes, but first off, Montgomery, New Jersey native, another story of a player from the northeast coming down south, as they say, to play hockey. So tell us about your start in hockey and growing up in New Jersey. Grace Seamon: Yeah, so I started hockey when was pretty young. my dad played when he was younger with his brothers and everything. So kind of just was natural for me growing up. I have two older brothers. They both played hockey, and my younger sister, she's a goalie. She's committed D1 actually. Shout out Emma. I'm gonna do a lot of shout-outs today, but she's committed D1 College Hockey South: Shut out Emma. Grace Seamon: for soccer. So but yeah, we all played together at home. lots of pond hockey up north there, so all from the heart, just love the game. and then I played PTL, Prince and Tiger. growing up for club hockey. and eventually Hopo Valley Montgomery high school team. So it was men's and women's team but yeah, we were in the MCTs and good league and yeah it was fun. College Hockey South: Yeah, you know what? I have a lot of a lot of experience that I could dive into because personally it's against my better judgment to just only ask South Carolina questions this this episode, Devin, because I want to so bad. But it seems like all of my friends from South Carolina, you could I mean you could name off like three states in particular where they're from, and it's usually New Jersey, New York, or Massachusetts. what was it about South Carolina that made it the right pick for you? did the hockey team existing there factor in that decision? What went into it for you? Grace Seamon: Yeah, so I was kinda looking all over the map. I had Delaware, Penn State I applied to, a bunch of schools up north, but I think I wanted to ultimately take the risk and just go far, take the plane ride away. I love my family, very close with them, but just taking the jump. And yeah, I'd heard about the hockey team here, so that was definitely a big part of it too. I knew I wanted to stay with the game. love the game, so I didn't want to leave it completely. And I knew growing up, being on a team, you just have automatic best friends. So coming here I definitely found that. Hang out with the girls all the time. so it was important for me to have hockey I think, but just taking the risk. I love the weather here. Obviously you can't beat it. College Hockey South: Yeah. Grace Seamon: but yeah, that's kind of it. Like on academics as well, obviously, but yeah. Devin Serra: I know it's always important to recognize in our field because we talk about teams that start up and are paving the way this division. College Hockey South: Okay. Devin Serra: South Carolina's been around since twenty twenty two and I'm sure for you looking at that that's not too much time relatively speaking, but in your entire Grace Seamon: Mm-hmm. Devin Serra: career they've already built themselves into kind of a power, already getting better, thanks to you and a lot of your great teammates play. what was it a lot of the coaching staff that that was intriguing to you? When you met people inside the program, what was that cohesive nice cohesiveness like for you? And what's been your favorite part of it so far? Grace Seamon: Alright, shout out number two, we have Genevieve Crouch. She was the first one that kinda reached out to me to join the team. she's great. She just graduated last year, but she is so updated with the team, text us, watch all our games. So she was a huge part of playing here. get to the locker room for the first time. She's the first face, talks to me, hangs out with me, like everything like that would drive me to practices all the time. So she was a huge factor, and Getting my toes in the water, getting comfortable on the team. and then the other seniors now is Lyssa. She's great. You guys had her on the pot, I think, a couple months ago or whatever. But yeah, she's awesome too. Yes, the goat. She's the awesome. Yeah, College Hockey South: Friend of the black. Devin Serra: That's right, missing our slick go. Yep. One of our best episodes, actually, numbers wise. Grace Seamon: she's so funny as well. But yeah, so members like that, Anna, all the upperclassmen, they were really nice to me my freshman year. So I hope I can be that for the freshmen. We had two of them this year. They're great. So good. We have Lando and Wilkerson, Sophia, and well yeah, they're great. Just having that team bonding has been fun. That's what the reason I stick around. and Charlotte. Sorry, Charlotte Charlotte. but yeah, that's the kind of stuff. And then coaching staff is amazing. We have Avery, had a couple too many concussions, but can't play anymore right now. So her staying with the program has really been great. We love hanging out with her. she has a lot of commitment to the team, so it's really something you can look up to there. and then of course, Coach Chris, literally the best. He does it for fun, for his free time, like comes to all these practices. We practice at 11 p.m. at night on Tuesdays, don't get home to College Hockey South: Mm. Grace Seamon: 1 a.m., but he's there, he's committed. So just everyone wanting to grow the game of women's hockey is really important and special to me. So I stick around. College Hockey South: Yeah, I've got to go on a little personal anecdote for me here at Devon this weekend because I've met Avery my first year in CHS, it was our first year with the women's division, she was still playing, and I figured out that she and Avery Googliata were best friends from Massachusetts, wound up playing each other in that first ever championship game. Avery Googliata ended up scoring the game winning goal. but anyways, long story short, did a an article on it. Should still be on the website by the way, check out. and talking to them then and then seeing Avery this past weekend, she was like a grown up. And I was like, my god, I've been in this for a for a long time. Like yeah, it was a head trip. But anyways, you mentioned freshman Charlotte Landau, and you guys are tied from the scoring lead. And it was mostly because of Columbus. you guys lit it up scoring left and right. and she's a freshman and you guys haven't had many games, one game before Columbus and not too many practices. how can you build that chemistry so quickly? Was it just it just something that happened? Grace Seamon: Yeah, I think maybe it's that connection from playing hockey up north we just had the chemistry there. But it's also off ice too for sure. We're always hanging out with the team. We did a team dinner before we even started on the ice. last night we had a team dinner. It's just hanging out, meeting the girls, making sure everyone's comfortable. But yeah, it's so awesome to have those two on the team now. Well, all the new members of course, but yeah, they're great. We just I don't know. Chemistry was there, love scoring goals together, celebrating and positive vibes, so it's working out pretty good. And yeah, having Sophia back College Hockey South: Was Devin, hold on. Who was was it Charlotte who did the scuba every time she would score? god. There Grace Seamon: E Yes, go that was her, that was her. That was the Sally of the Week, I'd say. College Hockey South: Well there was someone else that dabbed too. I might be thinking of another team. It might be a different team. Grace Seamon: Yeah, I don't know. We had a lot of good ones. We had s a couple. We had some grittying this week. I don't know. But that's it. That's it's all fun vibes on the team and I think that's really what connects us all. and I think College Hockey South: Wait, so y you're you're counting you're counting the scuba cell is one of the good ones? Okay. Grace Seamon: A hundred percent best one of the weekend, I'd say. Hundred percent. Devin Serra: We I I'll say this a lot of teams, including yours, are bringing back the scuba. it was kind of an old meme, but it's like in the throes of Grace Seamon: No, it's electric. Devin Serra: everybody. I saw a a girl on Michigan did it a couple weeks ago. I saw a men's two guy do it. I it sounds like you did it. I love the scuba. I think it's hilarious. Grace Seamon: It's whatever we can do, lift up the vibes on the team. So that did it for us and yeah, I love it. It's fun stuff. Devin Serra: Can I make a suggestion on a celly? Grace Seamon: Here you go, let's hear it. College Hockey South: god. Devin Serra: so I haven't seen this one in a while, but a couple years ago, a woman's dearborn player did the selfie stick with her glove on the end of the stick. Grace Seamon: Yeah, I like that one. I like that one. Mm-hmm. Devin Serra: I think you could rock the the the selfie stick, Sally. That's just my two cents. Not telling you to do it. Don't Grace Seamon: Alright, if we have big game, there's big game. Devin Serra: want you to get fined or piss off any players on the opposite team, but I think you could pull it off. you know, you know, listen, Grace Grace Seamon: Th if there's a big moment, I'll talk College Hockey South: Fine. If you Grace Seamon: to the team. We'll see, we'll see. College Hockey South: If you can find out Devin Serra: Okay, yeah. College Hockey South: a way for like a celebration to be so like outrageous that Kyle issues a fine to you, by all means I'll pay it. I'll pay it for you. Like please. Grace Seamon: Alright. If Devin Serra: Or like or like what about a group selfie? Like a group selfie would probably be like the most extreme. You know what I mean? Grace Seamon: if that's a challenge Alright, let's College Hockey South: Yeah. Grace Seamon: do it. Alright, just wait till the end of the year. It's coming. It's coming. Devin Serra: Awesome. All right. Well, there you go. I I guess I put it into the void and now it's it's gonna be a thing, hopefully. Grace Seamon: Seven. Devin Serra: look, back to you know, you talked about how special it is playing for Chris Meltreder. Avery Bowen, of course, had the injury troubles and is still with that program. You said it's special because Chris volunteers his time and Avery is just a natural person to be friends with and be a good leader for that program. What else is it that's so special about this staff that has led South Carolina to having the success it has for you and the team the last couple of years? Grace Seamon: Well, not only they're our coach, they're our friends, So we won the cup or whatever and last night we're out at dinner, he brings the cup, we're all Drinking waters and stuff out of it. It's like fun vibes, He gets to hang out with us. Avery obviously is just one of the students with us. So, And we're just all having that connection. It's fun. So and Chris's family too. the wife Alyssa and his son Enzo, they're awesome coming to all our games, supporting us too. So it's that second side of not just coaching, but also support. And they were great together too. I don't know if you guys know. Avery works for Chris actually outside of hockey, so they also share. College Hockey South: No Grace Seamon: little bit that bond that just the vibes are up. Yeah, they work great together and help us out a ton. College Hockey South: I can imagine if there if there's a bad day at work, is there a little bit of a snapshow between between the two coaches? Grace Seamon: Yeah. he'll go to practice and then he'll say, Avery, you gotta come at seven AM tomorrow. Usually she's in A, but something goes bad, it's an early morning for her. College Hockey South: God. Devin Serra: What dreams are made of. wow, I don't know if I've heard that before. Yeah, a player or a former player then working for a coach and then assistant. That's a that's a unique pipeline, the ACHA. I gotta ask this is a personal question, not something we even had down. I've heard different stories about Flight Adventure Park. Can you tell us what it's like playing in your rink, kind of the good, the bad and the ugly? Grace Seamon: it's like a bouncy house theme part. There's obviously free skate and everything. Arcade. It's got everything. So we're definitely gonna have a team bonnie event there. We'll have to do that. We haven't yet, but trampoline park, we're doing it. I don't know, it's our home, So it's where the boys play, we play. So we're trying to get more fans this year as the team grows. I know a bunch of my friends wanna come. Shout out Kate, shout out Casey. Key's still on the team, but shout out everybody, but they'll be there, so the environment's definitely gonna continue to grow, College Hockey South: Yeah. Grace Seamon: I hope. but yeah, I can't complain. It's my it's my home. College Hockey South: If only Devin Serra: I've seen some insane videos about a and sorry, Danny. I just get videos all the time from from the men's team too that are like people around the glass. They've got like cowbells, they're just making it a ruckus and it looks like a smaller rink than I guess it is, maybe, but you make it work. College Hockey South: Yeah. Grace Seamon: It's small, it's small, but we love it. Devin Serra: You know? Yeah. Grace Seamon: And th they they pack it out, especially the cock hockey game. So we're trying to get more fans for sure this year. It should be should be fun. We have our home opener in two, three weekends, so it's big. College Hockey South: Is that against Tampa? Grace Seamon: Yes, yep, we have double header against Tampa. College Hockey South: Okay, we need to circle back to that. But first, this past weekend, big big weekend. you know, and it didn't really get off to the greatest start because, technically, you know, according to ACHA, which I don't know how this is still a thing, it's technically a tie, but you ended up losing a late lead to Wesleyan and ended up dropping it in the shootout. But That ultimately is what got you guys in the championship game. You rallied, you beat Tennessee, and then, had a heck of a comeback against Georgia. Were the vibes you guys seem like a very vibey locker room. you could tell your team loves one another. Were the vibes down at all after losing a game in the shootout? Because you guys your season ended last year in the shootout. Grace Seamon: Yeah, it was a tough game, but I think we all just pick each other up pretty quick. We knew we had Tennessee coming, so new game, the next day. we just gotta get the points. We knew if we got a good big goal differential, it could be good moving forward. definitely some things had to fall into place for us to be in that championship round, but we're so lucky it did, so I don't know. Yeah, we just kept going. Vibes were up all weekend, I feel like, actually, but Yeah, and then we got to the championship game and I think we went down the three goals, but we didn't give up. we had so much time left in the game. So it was just one after the other, and then each one we got progressively more hype for each other and more excited. Like we knew we had a chance. So it is just not giving up. The vibes had to stay high. And yeah, we all love each other if it's not clear already. College Hockey South: Yeah, no, it definitely is. Devin Serra: From an outside standpoint, it seemed like Wesleyan was pretty underestimated. I mean, new program, they they had a heck of a debut against Georgia Southern. But I don't know if I expected them to take you guys to the shootout. what did you see out of that Wesleyan team that made them so competitive? Grace Seamon: their four check was strong, I'll give them that for sure. I think it would be an exciting game to play them again, but it's nice to see the hockey community grow. I'd love to see College Hockey South growing. it's fun. They had a ton of fans, so that was a fun environment to play in for sure. We don't usually get too many fans out there when we're on away games, but it was fun to have them there. Everyone's cheering, it's getting rowdy a little bit. But it's fun to always compete against someone, you know, is a good tough competitor, so I don't know, it was good. I'm glad to see them there and yeah, for checking was good, they had some bigger, stronger girls and I'm sure it'll be a good game next time we play College Hockey South: Yeah, that was probably my favorite of the weekend, even though it the first one. well it was the first day. because I don't know if you guys noticed this, probably not because you're just in the game, but as you know, being a part of the broadcast, I was noticing every period shots on goal were even, exactly even. And you could go look look on the website, it would be like twelve twelve, twenty one twenty one, and at at the end of regulation I'm pretty sure it was thirty one, thirty one or thirty two to thirty, something like that. But it really painted the picture and Wesleyan had to come back, score a couple goals to tie it, but super, super evenly matched. And the it kind of just epitomized you know, the whole weekend for me. because in Columbus Classics past, we didn't really have those kinds of games. But yeah, that was a fantastic one. And then yeah, the the the championship game, you guys were Down seemed like at Georgia had a ton of momentum. They were playing great all weekend. and yeah, that that goal that you scored, which I think there was less than a second on the clock when when you scored. which is why, I nominated it for goal of the week, by the way. not to pat myself on the back. But yeah, that that felt like a real vibe changer for you guys. Grace Seamon: Yeah, a hundred percent. I like to think it completely shit the whole momentum of the game. Everyone was hype. I got out of that goal. I was like literally the hypest I've ever been. Everyone was up screaming, yelling. but yeah, that was definitely the changer of the game I felt I thought. It was a great pass from Charlotte. The whole play not giving up. I think our line was doing great the entire weekend, but the energy from the bench, everyone was screaming, pass it, pass it. it's just a team effort for sure, but I'm glad I could do that for the team and it was fun celebrating after that. College Hockey South: yeah, this the the Sally was hype and man, I wish I knew who the D man was who started it because it was a long breakout pass, flew the zone. Grace Seamon: I'm pretty sure is the freshman Sophia. I'm I'm pretty sure about that. They're they're game changers. College Hockey South: There you go. There you go. you shouted her out and yep, and she had a great weekend. took some penalties. took a few penalties here and there. But yeah, great great outlet pass, up the ice, yeah, fantastic passing play all around, and then the finish. and you guys ended up taking it. so tell us about this celebration last night. It was it just a little team dinner or what what was going on? Fall breaks coming up. Grace Seamon: We got little restaurant called Saltinut around town. Maybe you guys have heard of it, not sure, but definitely the spot to go. College Hockey South: I I'm I'm aware. Grace Seamon: It's the spot to be for sure. But I d we had a lot of our team go. We were actually watching Dancing with the Stars at Saltinut. But good vibes, just music, you know, hanging out, celebrating with the team. That's kind of all it was, you know. College Hockey South: speaking of good vibes after wins, I don't know if you saw this because also this weekend got a huge Carolina football win. Huge, huge, huge. hav Grace Seamon: Woo. College Hockey South: haven't haven't won in the swamp, haven't won anything in about a month now. but what put it over the top for me was the game was about like twelve forty five. I think that's when it kicked off. By like ten, my goat, Superman sellers, he was at Saloon Taking selfies for people. I was just like, This is my guy. That's my quarterback. I don't care what happens the rest of the year, that's my quarterback. Grace Seamon: I know, I love it. We were all celebrating in the locker room too and we saw they had one right before the game had started. We're all hype about it. We're on the up for sure, College Hockey South: Yeah. See Devin? Grace Seamon: I can tell you that. Devin Serra: I'm just sitting back and enjoying this. I knew we'd go South Carolina talk at some point. And I wanna add to it. Columbia, South Carolina seems like a ball of a town to be in. what is it that you do for fun outside of hockey with the team or just with your friends and you know, what's that life been like for you the last year and a half? Grace Seamon: again, we do a lot of stuff outside of the hockey. I golf with a couple of the girls on the team, that's our thing. we do some classes, workout classes together, studying sessions. We just drive each other around, get ice cream or whatever it is. So lots of things to do around here for sure. Definitely team dinners are our favorite. But yeah, golf is mine personally. Avery, not the best golfer. Haley McLarney also needs a little bit of work, College Hockey South: Really? Grace Seamon: but it's fun to compete against them. College Hockey South: Really I found something to to chirp Avery about. yes. Grace Seamon: No, she's not bad. She's it's it's just fun, but yeah, it's fun to play with them for sure. College Hockey South: What was your last round? Grace Seamon: Well, we played nine a couple weeks ago. I think I shot in the 40s, not to brag, but it was pretty good. College Hockey South: Okay. Grace Seamon: It it's fun. Yeah, Avery's not Devin Serra: Really good. Grace Seamon: bad. Haley, I'm sorry, Haley. She needs some work for sure. But she got a birdie, I think, out of nowhere. It was like bogie bogie bogie birdie. So I'll give her that. College Hockey South: As long as it's just a bogey, I think that's fine. It for me it's Grace Seamon: I'm I'm being a little nice. it might be a couple double triples, but that's true, that's true. College Hockey South: See that that's if I'm playing bogey golf, I'm living right. I I've had the I had the three best rounds of my life this summer and then followed up it was like three weeks ago now, with the worst round I've had in three years and I can't even look at my set of golf clubs. So I understand the feeling but it's Devin Serra: You keep track of your golf score, go out there and just hit the ball and miss it and hope I get something good. College Hockey South: Hey, it's fun. Grace Seamon: That might mean your score is pretty high. I don't know. That's true. I and when you're doing so bad College Hockey South: Yeah, pace a play, buddy. Come on. Devin Serra: Sometimes ki sometimes keeping a score takes the fun out of the game, you know? I don't know. When you're good at golf it's different. Grace Seamon: it's just you gotta stop taking scores. That's so true. College Hockey South: Yeah. Play some tunes, crush a few pops, hang out and chat it up with the boys. Grace Seamon: That's right. Devin Serra: This guy. hey, relax. It's a college podcast, man. Some waters, you know. I wanna know back to hockey real quick. now that you've you know seen College Hockey South: We have to? Do we have to go back to hockey? Devin Serra: fortunately and unfortunately, I have to go back to hockey. We can't just talk about Columbia, South Carolina all the time. But this kind of relates to it. you've seen a couple of places now, different teams. You're now part of the ACHA. What's been your favorite place to play a hockey game so far? Grace Seamon: Yeah, I forget if it was playoffs or nationals, but they were both in Florida, but definitely Florida. A hundred percent, You're playing your games, get to go to the pool after, hanging out with your friends. We had a beach day one of these, I forget. I think it was for CHS playoffs, but hanging out on the beach with your girlfriends is the best. You can't beat it. so yeah, definitely Florida. The palm trees out, weather's nice for sure. Devin Serra: I College Hockey South: Yeah, Devin Serra: I will second that notion. heading to Boca every weekend for a game was nice. Considering I'm a Michigander and our beaches are great, but we only use like two, three times out of the year. When it's cold and it's a late February and you're posting on the store, you at the beach and your friends are just somewhere sawing and, fifty degrees and clouds all weekend, like it's Great Britain. I don't know. Like that it's it's a different feeling. What was what was your favorite part about that weekend? 'Cause I Danny alluded to it, it was kind of a tough ending for you, but I mean, your team was as good a chance to win as anybody. how did that weekend go for you? Grace Seamon: Yeah, I think that is the excitement of playing in the playoffs here. It was really good games and you really can't ask for anything other than that. Just high competition. again, like I said, just seeing all the girls coming down south and how big this league is growing is making me super excited for the years to come. So, yeah, just competing, having fun with the girls. Yeah, beach time, just doing whatever it is. But yeah, definitely focusing on that hockey aspect. We wanna compete, We wanna win it. We're here to stay. And program's on the up for sure. College Hockey South: Yeah, that that game was a part of that Devin, I don't know if you remember that Saturday. that just had ridiculous semifinals across every division. M3, ACDC, women's. It seemed like every single game was an absolute barn burner. and yeah, that that game, it didn't go your way, but I think you guys have nothing to be ashamed of. but it's a new season. And speaking of that new season You just kicked it off with winning a trophy. but here's the thing. There might be a little bit of an asterisk on that. And you know what? I'm a game cock, so I don't wanna cast any aspersions on you guys. But the three time champions were not there this weekend. They didn't get a chance to defend. but as you mentioned, if you I've I've got a direction. I've got a direction. Devin Serra: w where we where are we going with this? What are you talking about, man? This is I no, no, listen, listen. I'm putting the brakes on this. This is crazy. You are they didn't even a team that wasn't even in the tournament. She just won a three game tournament. Yeah, we are. We are. No, no, listen we've had enough episodes of this. Where are you going College Hockey South: No, no, no. I've got a direction, believe me. Grace Seamon: No, we'll let him make his point. We can let him make his point. We gotta talk about it. It's true. They're gonna come out. They're coming for us next weekend. College Hockey South: I've got a point. Devin Serra: with this, man? I'll let you finish. Grace Seamon: Yeah. College Hockey South: As Grace mentioned, they have South Carolina has their home opener soon against Tampa. You put the trophy on the line and call it the Columbia classic. Kyle Nell, let's make it happen, baby. Come on, Tampa versus South Carolina, let's let's frickin' do it. Grace Seamon: It'll be a big game, big Devin Serra: Honestly though. Grace Seamon: two games for sure. For sure. But Devin Serra: Okay, but Grace has to sign up for that. And to me, that sounds just as bad as like the NBA in season tournament. I don't know. No offense. I mean, I guess it's you know, you can make it a rivalry series. I gotta ask you this. Grace, what's been your favorite memory, good, bad, funny, the ugly, so far in the A C H A? Grace Seamon: well I guess I talked about it. We're like at the beach, Coral Springs, literally best day ever. You're with your favorite people from freaking 9 a.m. to like whatever. Super late at night. We're at the beach. Go get hibachi after. Like it is those days like that. It's you can't beat them. but yeah, and those team the the 11 p.m. practices, we all complain about them, but we're kind of trauma bonded, and I appreciate that a little bit. You can't beat coming home at one AM with your friends and everyone being tired waking up the next day. But we're all in it together. So it does suck, but those are some of my favorite memories that we make together. getting McDonald's after those practices. Coach coach gives us twenty bucks to spend, do have a good weekend, go, get some McDonald's for us. it's the little things, you know. College Hockey South: Yeah. speaking of teammates, I kinda just want to run through some some rapid fire questions. So, in your locker room, who's on aux? Grace Seamon: Me. College Hockey South: You're an ox. You have the honor. Grace Seamon: Most of the time and when Alyssa's here, she's pretty good too. Devin Serra: What are you playing? What play what are what are we hearing on the Ox? College Hockey South: Okay. So what are you yeah, what do you plan most of the time? Grace Seamon: We got a lot of house music going. Some bop by the baby. That's a good one. We play all of the lights. All of the lights every time as College Hockey South: That's a good one, always. Grace Seamon: we're walking out. It depends though. But usually house music something gets pumped up. College Hockey South: Okay. who has the worst smelling gear? Grace Seamon: I think alright, it probably everyone else would say me, unfortunately. But it was tough because College Hockey South: at least she's honest. Grace Seamon: it's so bad, I know, but actually again, another shout out. Hailey McLearney's doing my laundry right now. She's washing all my gear. So she's the goat for that. But College Hockey South: Big shout out. Grace Seamon: last year I was in my freshman dorm and I had nowhere to put my gear. I couldn't wash it because all the communal laundry things, it just wasn't gonna work out. So gear was shoved into my closet, stinking up. Every every week until the next practice and just got worse and worse all season. College Hockey South: Which freshman dorm? It's it's an important question. Grace Seamon: No hate, literally no hate, South Tower. Best storm out there. College Hockey South: my god Yeah Grace Seamon: No. Are you serious? You were there. College Hockey South: sixth floor south tower man it is so Devon Grace Seamon: All right, thirteenth. Represent thirteenth. It was the best. College Hockey South: Devin, I tell you what, when I'm telling you this is the worst place on campus. This place is an absolute dump. But yeah, you know what? you build character there for sure. Grace Seamon: A hundred percent all character. Yep. We had mold tests, we had mold tests. Devin Serra: Muldy ventilation. Sink water is muddy. We're t what are we talking? Shower. god, wait, wait, wait, wait. Communal showers or individual? Grace Seamon: It yeah, well, it's communal, yeah. But it's College Hockey South: It was end of Grace Seamon: like all girls floor. Well they're all next all right, I Devin Serra: you lost me there. Grace Seamon: guess they're obviously their own stalls and stuff, but we all shared the one bathroom between thirty girls on the floor. not the best experience, but you made a lot of new friends. we did some mold College Hockey South: Exactly. Grace Seamon: tests pretty early in the year after about literally five hours. Tons of growth in these mold tests. Absolutely disgusting. Friend was sick the entire year from it, but it's character building for sure. College Hockey South: Yeah, I mean I Devin Serra: You might as well just live in a frickin' frat house. I mean, like that's w that's what it sounds like. College Hockey South: It that's what it is, Doug. Like so it it seems like in and like one of those and my freshman year is gonna tell you how old I am. The the two other ones that were really bad have been torn down. I think McBride was torn down recently and Bates. yeah, but Grace Seamon: Was that torn up? Yeah, I don't know. It might have been, but definitely McBride. College Hockey South: Yeah, so there there are floors that are like the designated bad ones and you hear about it like, like you know, the fire alarm goes off is like, you know, it's sixth floor. It was always my floor. So I I lived and actually one of the cock hockey guys was was on my floor. fun fact for ya. how did we end up there? it was the laundry. It was the laundry, yeah, that's right. because Grace Seamon: We're saying Yeah, yeah. Devin Serra: I don't even know what's going on anymore. I just expected you guys to give Grace Seamon: Hehehe Devin Serra: s like your insider talk on South Carolina and that would that would be this episode. College Hockey South: Seven. it's like a nineteen I think there's nineteen floors. Nineteen floor building. Grace Seamon: Yeah, eighteen, eighteen. College Hockey South: Eighteen. Okay. And there's like six washers for the entire imagine trying to I can Grace Seamon: Yeah, there is no doing my laundry, my hockey gear laundry there. There is no way. Devin Serra: You know what? This makes me really happy that I went to a max I'm sorry I make this about me, but I went to a max school where I had full laundry sets, I had my own shower, my own bathrooms. this this makes me so glad I didn't go to a big school like you two. Because I could not handle that for not even a month. I'd be so mad all the time. Grace Seamon: No regrets. No regrets at all. College Hockey South: Yeah, I mean same. Yeah. I in all fairness though, it was the minority. Like the majority of dorms and that's and that also like I mean you are pissed like when you have when you make friends at other dorms and you go check out their situation, it's like what in the world am I living in? 'Cause you go back to your situation and it's like, anyways. yeah, South Carolina, great stuff. super glad to see you guys you know, finally Bring home something like something tangible because you guys have done really good job building up the program. debuted white uniforms last year, that that are fantastic. That's my favorite South Carolina logos, the Carolina and the script. but just all around doing a really, really good job. so top marks to you. you're also a star of the week, so congratulations on that. and one of the goals of the week. Columbus Classic Champion. Grace Seamon: Feels great. Thank you for that. Yeah, College Hockey South: Mm. Grace Seamon: it's nice to just wanna highlight my line was great the entire weekend. I love playing. Shout out again Casey College Hockey South: Hundred percent. Grace Seamon: Hurley, the Hurley sisters in general. Casey joined the team, she's my age, but her sister Quincy, they're playing together, they're awesome. my line mate Raya, she's amazing. All the defense played great this weekend. Mackenzie and Nett love the team. I just think shout out everybody on the team. It was so great. College Hockey South: Ha ha ha. Grace Seamon: team effort for sure. but yeah. I love it and I can't wait to see what happens with Tampa and the rest of the weekend's playoffs. I'm so excited. College Hockey South: And also friend of the podcast, CHS staff member Zoe Well, shut up. Grace Seamon: A hundred percent. Shout out Zoe. We saw her last night. She had to leave though 'cause College Hockey South: She Grace Seamon: she was watching she was watching Dancing with the Stars, so she had to fade, but College Hockey South: well she was also helping run the entire tournament because we had a bunch of staff members dip out at the last second because of the weather. Grace Seamon: heard. College Hockey South: also social media. So she was doing clocks, she was helping with social media. Zoe was an V P on and off the ice this past weekend. Grace Seamon: No, she's great, yeah. And she's assistant captain. She's doing a great job, I'd say. And shout out one more Lacey, our photographer. Killing it this year, getting us the best flicks. yeah, I guess that's it with the with the shout-outs, I think. Shout out my mom, of course. And one more Colleen. College Hockey South: Shut up, moms. Grace Seamon: Colleen, my friend Colleen. She needed a shout-out. But yeah. Devin Serra: We we love a good shout out. it takes a village, it's an old saying and it's very true for you and look, you're humble about it, but you have been one of the best players. And last thing I'll leave you with here, it's been such a fun conversation, Grace, about getting to South Carolina and your time there and you obviously love it. if you had to give any advice to an incoming player, whether it's South Carolina or otherwise, what would you say to them about the level of play for ACHA and why would it be beneficial for them to play in a similar situation like you're in? Grace Seamon: Yeah, two years ago you you're stuck in the position it's like, well, do you wanna continue playing like collegiate hockey if it's N C double A or whatever it is? So we're welcoming new girls all the time to this league. It's a hundred percent growing. We're we're getting way more competitive now. So definitely look into it for whoever's interested. It's fun, you know. Besides the hockey, I know all these teams have great connection with each other. the bonds that you make with these girls on the teams will last you so long. All right, we connect with Genevieve literally every time we play hockey. We're calling Alyssa and Anna all the way from Italy. you just can't break these bonds. So definitely the league is growing. Look out for us. but yeah, we love the new members. We love to compete. It's gonna be fun. Devin Serra: Awesome. Well, Grace, thank you so much for joining us on Kalachaki Mouth and good luck the rest of the season. Grace Seamon: Thank you guys, it was fun. Thanks for having me. Devin Serra: Thanks so much to Grace Seaman for joining us on this episode. Great personality, one of the most talented players, thirty points a season ago. she's on pace to break that this year and Columbus Classic Champions and a successful event, all things considered. Danny, you mentioned in the interview that unfortunately because of the hurricane situation, the girls try hockey event had to be canceled. But it made up for it with some great games. And, the team that really stuck out to me was Le Wesley and they had a Awesome start to their campaign. Florida Southern, home crowd, big reveal, big rollout of their program. But they proved that they could keep up with one of the best teams in College hockey south. Didn't just do it on the scoreboard. The shots indicated they were right there with them. big weekend for Killy Bott, who had a c a goal and a couple of points in this one, including the shootout winner from Tara Hearn. Just without going through all these games too much in depth, Danny, what stood out to you about this team and and how are they so good at what they do right now? College Hockey South: it it's definitely a quality over quantity type situation. it you look at and you see a tiny roster and you might, have some preconceived notions and say this might be an easy one, but every single one of them are skilled. you mentioned Keely Bot, Friend of the Pod, we had her on last week. talk to her a little bit you know, post Columbus and she was definitely disappointed that they didn't come away with a better record. obviously they won the game of the week against South Carolina in the shootout, lost a heartbreaker against Georgia, game winning goal with I think there was six seconds left, and then lost in overtime to to South Florida. and three incredibly talented teams and either a hung with or outplayed those teams and you're talking about, a player two here or there from them being three and winning the damn thing and being the talk of the town still. and what I think they should be, without a doubt. And they've nothing to be ashamed of, not even remotely. they they played really, really well. and as Keeley mentioned, they're all freshmen save for two players, a junior and a sophomore. So this is an incredibly young team that hasn't played together much, hasn't practiced much. and it goes to show the talent they have and the coaching. You know, Caleb Cameron, a former professional player, played in the coast and the S B N Tou A hockey. he's done an excellent job and has a true passion for it. so yeah, this is a team that definitely exceeded expectations. and all three games, phenomenal. Unbelievable energy throughout. yeah, so double thumbs up for Wesleyan. Devin Serra: one three record you're alluding to well one and two. really the the shootout thing is a tie, which it's the best way to decide it as far as records wise. regardless of score, they proved they can hang and all these teams could hang because it was probably the most competitive Columbus Classic I've seen in the four editions. South Florida was lighting it up with Georgia, pretty much every team Unfortunately Tennessee had probably the worst end of it all this weekend. I just feel like these teams look as a unit better. You talked about the skating ability College Hockey South: No, finish your thought. Devin Serra: Talent level, ability to play as a unit is improving. And that's a good thing for these programs, considering that they play in a conference that's a bit overlooked in women's division two, a division in general that's kind of looked at as a step below women's one and the top of women's division two. and that's just from an outsider perspective. For the event and what it was, incredible work. And way to pull it together from these six teams really. That is, to me, what the conference should be about. And Columbus Classic proves once again why it's one of the best events all year for this Kalataki South group. Danny, your passion definitely exuberates. you were able to be part of this event. In your mind, what are some things that you took away from this edition of Columbus Classics? College Hockey South: definitely how the hierarchy is getting muddled in a good way. Muddled can kind of have a negative connotation. But you know, the there there's no longer, you know, two or three teams at the top and then the rest of the division. It's kind of the division, you know, and there's hierarchy in different, you know, tiers of teams. But as you saw throughout the weekend, man, it was super, super competitive back and forth. And there are each team had multiple players that really stuck out. and, that was another thing. And they were new, whether they were transfers, you know, Heidi Knoll, who had an unbelievable weekend, she's one of our stars, talk just finished up a career playing Division One hockey with Syracuse, which is a a route that you're not gonna see very often at this level. but then there's Maddie Greenwood who's been I don't know, the best player in the conference across every division, pound for pound. her numbers certainly suggest that, and she's a true freshman. I do have to say one thing though, Devin. one thing I didn't like this weekend. late in the South Florida Wesleyan game, which was a six five South Florida win, South Florida looked really, really good. Just like their M3 and ACDC teams, just goals, goals, goals. I don't know if they shoot on soccer nets or what the deal is, but they know how to score down there. but tied late a few minutes ago, and Olivia Peterlin of South Florida, who had a great weekend, with a with a high blind side hit on a Wesleyan player. I don't know how to pronounce her first name and I don't want to butcher it. Her last name is Hurt. almost ironically. but blind side hit to the head. She got a a game misconduct for it, and rightfully so. and it's just something you don't want to see in the game because at the time I didn't notice I didn't personally I thought it was just like, two ships passing in the night, as you see sometimes in women's hockey, because you know, checking is not a factor. but on second look She had her lined up and obviously hurt, wasn't expecting a hit. It was a high finish with her shoulder from the blind side. And it's just something you don't want to see in any type of hockey at any level. and Olivia Petterlin was one of South Florida's best best players. She had an unbelievable weekend. So I hope it was just a lapse of judgment momentarily. because like like I said, she played great, contributed to the overwhelming South Florida offensive success. But, that was ugly and, there's no need for that. Devin Serra: So mixed it seems review for you, Danny. And I know that it's not always fun to talk about when there's the less side of it. It does happen in the game, unfortunately, and it sounds like that player has something to learn and you certainly hope hurt's gonna be fine and doesn't affect her season or College Hockey South: I and I will say I have heard from coach, teammate that she is doing much better. I hope that continues and that this doesn't become something that affects her day to day or long term. because look it's it's a game at the end of the day. we shouldn't be affecting people's health on, you know, affecting their day to day and something that's supposed to, be So much fun and it was such a fun weekend. So I hate to harp on this. I'll get off my soapbox. We can get back to talking about the fun stuff. But this is something that, stuck in my craw and I didn't enjoy. So Devin Serra: Well, speaking of other crosshairs and different cross divisional matchups on the men's side, we still had a pretty busy weekend as this sort of a rivalry, but for different divisions went on. three South Florida took on two Florida Atlantic. We saw last year a split series, and this time around, the Ice Bulls, look, they are one of the best teams in men's division three. They proved that. Going to nationals a season ago. Florida Atlantic, they seem to be in this holding pattern. They lost a lot of players. It's been a revolving door of stories here. But Jace Kenigsmark had a hat trick and a six to five overtime win that saw Grant Dietz, one of the best in this division, pick up the game winner and the hero in that one. And then six to four the next night. big time results for a group that come off basically beating the breaks off Tampa. So to my mind, South Florida is now what I guess you could say middle Tennessee was. And that's a team that's kinda falling from grace right now. College Hockey South: Yeah, coming out of that series, I'm not sure what would be the bigger story necessarily, whether it'd be South Florida's, success, because they did the the same kind of thing last year. I mean, they're scoring almost six goals a game, which as you know, absurd as it sounds, is kind of what they did last year. Devin Serra: And they did it in comeback fashion. They were down to nothing in the second game and made it work and finished off FAU. College Hockey South: Yeah, and and so there you go. what would be the bigger story is possibly FAU who was a nationals team and, at least for us had we had expectations of them winning a couple of games there at Nationals. Didn't work out that way, some were, they coughed up a lead late to Saint Bonnie's, but now it just seems like they're Maybe hit the panic button. I don't know. it has been a good look so far. Devin Serra: Yeah, certainly in a two team division, two. Tampa who's had their struggles this weekend too. It's not like they're without their growing pains. Florida Atlanta's trying to figure it out and big win for USF there on the road, against FAU. On the A C D C side of things, we had a barn burner. Florida State against Florida Southern. game one saw Florida State win six to five. Cole White scored twice in the power play. The Knowles scored three goals to tie the game down By a while. It looked Florida Sutherland was gonna run away with that first one and Javen Ray, he converted a lot for Florida State. key save from Sean Donovan, one of the best goaltenders in ACC A C D C division. And those win it. first victory of the season for them. and then Blake Kratenstein scored twice in the second. Jack McGovern added a power play to complete the sweep in a nine to two win for the Seminoles the next night. just real quick, Danny, this Florida State team in my mind wasn't going to be the same after losing a lot of their vets, but Florida Southern was a former three team and they they proved they can win in different ways. College Hockey South: Yeah. important to note though on the Florida Southern side and I do think they're still going to be competitive. they lost their, hands down, you know, not an argument, best player in the history of the program, Will Marshall, Captain America. so that's gonna be it's gonna be hard to replace that, and they won't. simply they won't. I'm not saying, you know, Will Marshall is Wayne Gretzky, but yeah, I think this is big for Florida State, because they too have some talent to replace. but I like a lot of their guys. I like Jay Van Ray. I I like saying his name, like seeing his name. it's a fun name to say. Alex Jensen is a beauty, was a part of the Europe team. Cole Bernoli, another really, really good player, had the game, Clincher. the championship clincher against J U in the championship game last year. So listen, it's theirs until someone takes it from Devin Serra: Big shout out to Gavin Coker. We love him on the pod. You've heard our us say his name College Hockey South: Love Devin Serra: many, many times. But Florida Southern Network has really got it going on. Lena Coker, Matt, their that whole team, they know how to put on a broadcast and they've gotten better every single time. And we'd be remiss if we didn't just give them their their honors. I mean, they've earned it. They've really grinded it out. Doing men's leagues, doing whatever games they can get their hands on and great broadcast on their side. And Florida State takes the sweep over Florida Southern. Our three stars of the week in college hockey south, all focused on Columbus Classic. First star, gotta be Maddie Greenwood for the University of Georgia. Holy smokes, eleven goals, two apples, thirteen points in three games. Maddie, as she's been many times, on a tear once again. kinda in my mind, Linka Grace Seaman, where just far and away the the player they rely on when they need it. And speaking of Grace, second star, four goals, nine assists, thirteen points in her own right to match Matty's total. And Heidi Knoll transfer from Sierra Q's. College Hockey South: Okay. Devin Serra: Now plays for South Florida. Seven goals, five assists, and twelve points on the weekend there in Columbus. Our stars of the month were very much the same for each division. We'll just go through these briefly. I know we got numbers here, but first star, unanimous, and probably for the ACHA a first star. Alex Moller, eleven goals, four assists, fifteen points in just five games. Considering he's doing it not just against the best teams in the ACHA, but he's scoring highlight reel goals to do this is player of the year conversation right now in men's division two. Lake Placid face off. He was stellar against London Wood, had another highlight reel goal against Liberty, College Hockey South: Unreal. Devin Serra: and we'll get to that in a little bit. Unreal between the legs Tuck. Alex Muller, first star. Colin Bellevo from Tampa, also a second star. Goaltender, two and all record, point nine two on save percentage. A 150 goals against average Providence College transfer won his first two starts as a Spartan, defeating Siena and Florida Atlantic while allowing just three goals across two games. Third start went to Chase Carkner from Tampa as well. So men's two, yeah. It's two teams. It's it's it's Tampa or FAU. a goal and nine assists through five games. Recorded four apples in a single game and nine apples through his first five. brother Corbin Is on the team also. So that's a pretty cool mark for Chase and a heck of a effort from those guys. Men's Division Three, Jack Tickle is our first star from Alabama. Five goals, eleven assists. He led men's division three in scoring during September. And Alabama, they have been a turnaround story. Currently sit fourth in CHS three standings. They took down middle Tennessee State in a game. They've got a really good couple of games ready to go. We'll talk about soon. Christian Hubert from UCF is our second star. The goaltender with College Hockey South: Mm-hmm. Devin Serra: three wins, point nine fifty save percentage, a one through three GA and a shutout to his name. really did established himself early. They just picked up a win as well against middle Tennessee State. we don't mean to use the Blue Raiders as kind of the benchmark, but they were the best team last year. And you'll see I've got a big win with him. And our third star, Jackson Sabataso from Embory Riddle. Nine goals and five assists through eight games. seven and one record. How about Emory Riddle doing pretty well at the start the year and one of the top contributors? College Hockey South: yeah, baby. Bob Joyce hockey. Let's go, man. That guy fought Chris Chelias. That guy fought Chris Chellias. Devin Serra: We love Bob Joy Saki. College Hockey South: That's a cool that's a coolest thing. That's a coolest thing about him. Devin Serra: Dude, that guy played against some of the all time greats. one of our favorite College Hockey South: Wayne Bradsky. Devin Serra: episodes of all time here on College Hockey Mouth. Bob Joyce Hockey getting it going there in Daytona. Men's ACDC, first star, Logan Sluzak from USF. Twenty two points in six games. My God, this player is insane right now. Eleven goals. USF is the best team right now in A C D C perfect six in a record through September and Ice Bowls have an exciting one there. Perhaps a future M3 bowl or two, depending on what their program does. Still in limbo there. Second star, Alex Mondragon from USF as well. 16 points for Alex. Transfer player. Immediate impact. trade the Spartans red for some Ice Bowls green. Seven goals, nine assists, through six games. And one of the best teams in ACDC in Jacksonville's Connor Rose is our third star. Goaltender with two out two wins at his name. A one zero zero goals against average. Ranning ACDC goaltender of the year. open September with that win against Embury Riddle. Dolphins look to return to the ACDC championship game. I know Rills feels like he's got the honors to do it. And with the team, when you have a confident goaltender, your entire team can play loose. So Jacksonville, one of our best teams right now, and picking up where they left off here in AC DC. Final stars to go through for the month. Woman's side. First star, Maddie Greenwood, 16 points in four games for the Georgia Bulldog. Chloe Valente. How about Unk? Five goals, four assists, nine points in two games. Chloe's Unk because Chloe is one of the elder players in AC Kalatucky South. And the ACD College Hockey South: my Yeah. You hear that Chloe? Front of the pod? Devin Serra: front of the pod, ACHA. Look, we it was our thing all year with Middle Tennessee State, so we're gonna call a spade. Chloe is a vet. at that and she had one whale of a month for USF and once again demonstrated how dominantly impactful she can be out at Columbus Classic. And our third star, Paige Oakes, five goals for assists for Miss Oaks, College Hockey South: Hold on. Devin Serra: another Georgia player. College Hockey South: And we've gotta leave this in because we've had Paige, who is the all time leading scorer in the history of the women's division. This is the fourth year, senior year, final year, and we've pronounced her name incorrectly for all three years and up until this weekend. It is not Devin Serra: you're kidding. It's not Oaks. You're kidding me. College Hockey South: it is not Oaks, it is Ookis. Lucas a dear. Devin Serra: Well, I just had a Travis Etienne, his name's actually Travis A Chan moment. College Hockey South: That that's what I was gonna bring up is these Devin Serra: No. College Hockey South: the entire college football career, Devon A Chain, I refuse to pronounce his name any other way because it was A Chain his entire way through A and I really liked him at A and even though I don't like the team at all. and now it's A Chan, which sounds way less cool. but Paige, we're really sorry. it's not like you told us that it was pronounced that way. We've just been pronouncing it wrong. but yeah, good good stuff. Good stuff from yeah, and Chloe, by the way, had her tuna. she you know, she had had the the the lucky tuna before Columbus. Devin Serra: and congratulations to all of our players and their honors in the month of September. we have some upcoming games that are gonna be very impactful. And you hear us as broadcasters, as a podcast host, be like, why does this game matter? Why should it be drawn in? Well If you're a Tampa Spartan fan, you don't know what this team is yet because they performed really good out in Lake Placid. They had a tough, to say the least, weekend against Liberty. who looks like they're gonna be a national contender this year. And College Hockey South: Mm. Devin Serra: the Spartans turn around, and now they've got the team that was the runner-up in men's division two two seasons ago. Montana State coming into Clearwater Ice Arena Thursday. At nine PM Eastern. By the time you hear this too, that'll be already be over. But Friday, I believe they're gonna play as well. Danny, let's just let's just spill the beans right now. Look, Alex Moller is one of the best players in M2, but it feels like in order for them to win against these teams, he's gonna have to put on Win Gretzky type performances. College Hockey South: Yeah, and I think they're gonna have to figure out the we could we could beat the dead horse over and over again. like we did most of last season and say, Well, Tampa just has to stop taking penalties. it's no use. let's save our let's save our breath. it's probably not gonna happen. They took a Devin Serra: How about we revert how you know, what this is the conversation I love in hockey where it's what does a team stop doing or what is their identity and then how do they play with that identity? If you're College Hockey South: There you go. Devin Serra: Tampa, you just have to score on the power play. That's it. If you give up a power play goal or two, fine. It happens to all teams. But this group, with how much talent they have, against this team, they really have to capitalize. College Hockey South: No doubt. And they've got to do a better job on the penalty kill, 'cause like I mentioned, they took a whole host of penalties against Liberty and in the the second game, and a lot of these were late, but Liberty scored five power play goals and they ended up at they lost the game eight to three. So let's throw out the numbers here. They lost nine to two on Friday and then eight to three on Saturday. this is a Liberty team that they beat pretty handily last year. and then they did it regionals or am I thinking of someone else? Did they beat they beat Liberty at regionals, yes? Or was that Florida Atlantic? Devin Serra: no, Tampa two College Hockey South: They beat Georgia and then I think it was Liberty. It was Liberty. Okay. So then the No, Devin Serra: Yeah, it was Liberty. It's either them or Ohio State. College Hockey South: Florida played Ohio State. Devin Serra: Florida Atlanta Plato, yes, yes. So you're right. You're College Hockey South: Yeah, so anyways, they beat Liberty three times last year, and these teams completely different, obviously. And that's the thing about Tampa is they're also incorporating a lot of new talent. we mentioned the Carkners, three new goalies, three of them. and I don't think Coach Coos has figured out who is gonna be his guy yet. Colin Belvo was one of the stars of the month, but One was against Sienna, who looked like who looks like might be the worst team on their schedule this year. No offense. is anyone from Sienna gonna watch this? And if you do, sorry, and then he beat Florida Atlantic and they really handled FAU, who's struggling themselves. So yeah, man, they're gonna have to build back their goal differential. but the thing is, Devon, because their schedule is so loaded with top teams, they're gonna have opportunities of plenity. So it could either be make or seriously break, shatter into a million pieces, and the season falls apart quickly because they did not do themselves any favors with the schedule. but you know what? Hey, now that they knew there were gonna be an ACHJ team well in advance coming into the season wasn't the case last year. Requirements for nationals and the the computerized system that decides rankings. so schedule all these killers in division two and figure it out. Devin Serra: Well, in men's two, strength of schedule. You've heard it on this pod before. And I know we like to talk about what it means and about why does a ranking matter? Why does a strength of schedule matter so much? Think about regionals. We're back to the top two teams in each region advancing to nationals automatically. No offense to Tampa. If they win this series in one of these games, maybe you have a conversation at that. But really, in my mind, Liberty could be one of those two teams this year. I don't see them being an auto-bid team. So that means if you go to regional, it's three through sixteen. See, it's three through sixteen. You win two games. You are one of the final two teams to play at nationals. So there is no make or break, I think, in losing these games. But we're not going into assuming they lose. How does Tampa match up against this? Middle Montana State is a bruiser team. if there's any team that's gonna match intensity of Tampa, it's these guys. They're coming off winning the Brawl of the Wild, which is their series with in-state rival Montana. And they also College Hockey South: Mm. Devin Serra: competed very well against Weaver State, they've got a couple of games with, who is a very good West Region team. So I think in order for them to win this game, Tampa's gotta muck it up a little bit more than Montana State. They've got to be very aggressive, initiate contacts in the corners, create 50-50 battles. And throw pucks to the front of the net. because for some, you know, they have a talented group. I'm looking at guys like Cole Setter Dallin, College Hockey South: Thank you. Devin Serra: Nick Sahelin to start really matching that ability by Alex Muller because he is far and away their scoring leader. It's going to take that and then their goaltenders to be consistent. So I'm right there with you, Danny. Big weekend for Tampa out at Clearwater Ice Arena as Montana State comes down to the Sunshine State for a road trip with the Spartans. Speaking of Tampa and on three side, they're gonna be traveling to middle Tennessee State at Ford Ice Center Antioch. MTSU is 350 and 1. Tampa's 3-3. Last year, these two were in our minds, which one's A and which one's B as the best teams early. MTSU right now is sputtering. they had a split series at the UCF. They didn't start the year the way they wanted, and now They're fighting against the grain and three is only getting better and better. So I feel like both of these teams, something's gotta give here. College Hockey South: Yeah, MTSU's fighting uphill now, and the ground's getting slippery. It's getting late early, because as you mentioned, there are no regions in three for nationals or is that changing this year? Yes, no, maybe so? Devin Serra: it's still one through sixteen, yes. at large bids. College Hockey South: still want the So there you go. that's a scary proposition when you've had the kind of start you've had. because you're gonna have to find that gear. And Chunch love the guy. he's been under a point a game, and as their leader, as their best player, he's gonna have to pick that up. these were two of the four semifinals, or two of the two of the four semifinalists, and we have another semifinal rematch. this weekend as well. And man, what a fall from grace it's been. and you can almost say predictably so, with the talent lost, but man, you it almost feels as port as important as a semi final this series. Devin Serra: We'll see that one out at Friday and Saturday from Tennessee. Of course you can catch that game College Hockey South: they do stream their games on YouTube. definitely check that one out. I expect a couple of very desperate teams. Devin Serra: Moving along in College Hockey South men's games, another cross division game. three UCF takes on two Florida Atlantic. Friday and Saturday at Boca Ice Center. UCF is one of the better stories. first year coach, Mark Renner. Great job there. Six and one UCF team. They're gonna be playing a FAU team that's still trying to find their identity. Christian Hubert was our second star sophomore goaltender for the Knights. And Beckham Beaufart had a hat trick against MTSU last weekend, so some guys to watch out for there on the night side. And we'll see what FAU has to match against them. M3 Alabama versus Tennessee from Knoxville Civic Center Friday and Sunday. And Jack Tickle was CHS's M3 scoring leader in September. Alabama swept MTSU in week five. So with both games, especially that were decided late. Alabama's one of the best stories. Perhaps a team that's a sleeper right now for the national field. ACDC, Florida Southern, travels to Jacksonville Saturday and Sunday at community first Igloo. Four and Jacksonville team. They swept USF two to one and nine to one. And their goaltender Connor Rose running goaltender of the year playing lights out. Florida Southern trying to find the right right ship to go on here after getting swept by Florida State dramatically. ACDC Rollins versus UCF, Friday and Saturday at Orlando Ice Den. And on the woman's side, coming off a a little bit of a break for some of the Columbus Classic teams. These are two that were not part of that field. Florida faces Miami at Miami Ice Arena on Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern and 2 30 p.m. Eastern at Panthers Ice Den. Two 0-2 teams trying to get their first ones of the year. Some other games to mention around the Conference, Mississippi State travels to Austin P Friday and Saturday in Clarksville. Alabama Huntsville faces Vanderbilt in two games there. M3 Miami travels to Florida Atlantic. Friday and Boca, Saturday in Miami. And Lynn will host ACDC, St. Leo, and Florida Tech on Friday and Saturday, respectively. a College Hockey South: Devin. Devin Serra: lot to run through there, Danny. I was gonna get to you. I know you've been like a a roadrunner there just ready to go. College Hockey South: Ha ha ha. Devin Serra: So, through all of that, what is your prediction this week or whatever you want to mention? College Hockey South: well, i it wasn't even one I alluded to it, but you didn't even mention it in this, tremendous list of games we have is that South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast rematch from the semifinals in the playoffs last year. That arguably, you know, it I would say Tampa women's against Florida women's was my game of the of the weekend, but man, that Florida Gulf Coast and South Florida semi-final was a very, very close second. And I'm pretty sure those are happening at the same time. Anyways, two different two completely different ways of skinning the cat. South Florida, six goals a game, Wild West type of hockey. And, a lot of penalties on top of it. Grant Dietz is, you know, is the quintessential player for that. Ton of points, ton of penalty minutes. And then Florida Golf Coast, who squeezes the life out of the game, right? they're giving up two goals per game. But Devon, they are scoring exactly two goals per game. That is an even goal differential right now. They split with Farmingdale this past weekend. They're scoring two goals per game and yet they're still successful. So that lets you know what their identity is, how they try and win games. So it's gonna be a fascinating styles clash between those two teams for sure. I have to ask you though, because you know what, we're towards the end of the episode, is there one outside of the conference? Because you know what, we by the end of the season we do start to talk about these teams that are outside of the conference more once we talk about nationals. Is there a series that you're looking at that college hockey South fans should pay attention to? Devin Serra: A great question. I think M3 is in a flux with some teams in the Midwest that are beginning to transform and be better. but this is one that is a similar team to I would say if you are a fan of watching Florida Golf Coast play is important. Purdue plays Miami of Ohio. And why that game is important is because Purdue was one of the First teams or I guess last teams into the national field last year and you didn't really see them play against any Florida teams. This year, they're gonna be one that's competing on those fifteen, sixteen spots, I believe, for a national spot. And Miami of Ohio is five and one right now. Now maybe that doesn't sound very important, but I think college hockey south teams need to remember and fans that even though they had the rankings bumped to start last year. There is other programs that are beginning to have better strength of schedules. And so I think that's a series that is fun, regardless. but you'll want to watch that. Purdue, by the way, has a broadcast, boiler ice hockey on YouTube. If you want to check it out, Friday and Saturday. I think that's a good one to watch. Woman's side, not even Woman's Two. If you're gonna watch Woman's Two, a Cinnaboyne takes on St. Thomas this weekend. That is the national. Runner up in a Cineboyne and a semifinalist from last year in St. Thomas. Pretty cool to see a benchmark of play where our women's teams are at in college hockey mouth. That game's happening in St. Paul. And then the last one I'll mention, in women's one, you're gonna want to watch Midland versus Maryville. Midland won their first national championship. Maryville is a very similar program to them. That is the benchmark of where the women's game is at from an ACHA level. You asked for one and I gave you three. Those are my three for the week. College Hockey South: once we were we started talking about rankings, we got closer to nationals, about about teams elsewhere and not really having a knowledge of them. so I figure, you know what, get ahead of the curve, start looking at these teams, you know, do a little eye test, but Devin Serra: I would say if you want to be angry, be angry that the Michigan schools continue to churn out national College Hockey South: Exactly. Devin Serra: champions year after year. I felt like Middle Tennessee State, for example, losing to Grand Valley State is a bit of salt in the wound. you know, I think you're waiting from a national perspective to see a college hockey south team not do something, but when you say make an impact, you're talking about at a national tournament. but I think a team like Alabama getting in brand wise will be great. And I I believe UCF is a team that could do it. they look really fun right now. Mark Grandor's got them playing really well. I'm not gonna give an early prediction. I don't wanna jinx anybody. So if they fall off a cliff, it's not my fault. I'm just saying that we got a long way College Hockey South: Brother, we've got a long way to go. Long to go. Devin Serra: to go. We got a couple of months. And we're we're a long way in this episode and College Hockey South: Mm. Devin Serra: Thank you all for listening so much to this one. Danny, it was it was fun to get on here with you again. I know you and I are are two chickens with our head cut off running through this. By the way, last thing I'll ask you. When you said that quote, there's more than one way to skin a cat. Did you get College Hockey South: Yes. Devin Serra: that from the salmon documentary? College Hockey South: no, that's that's just one I've heard before. Yeah. And Devin Serra: That's one you've had? Really? Okay. Okay. College Hockey South: also I've gotta throw I've gotta throw in one last thing. because I'd like to throw in a miscellaneous topic. This won't be too long. Okay, listen. Devin Serra: We're at like seven one last things between both of us. College Hockey South: Miscellaneous topic. so Aaron Blank, have to mention Aaron Blank. I'm so glad I did this. Aaron Blank, we had a bunch of staff members that couldn't come to Columbus because of weather. So the broadcast team ended up being me on camera and then Aaron. and for anyone that's ever tried play by play, it's hard enough on its own, but to do it solo is even harder. Aaron did it three times, three straight days, and not only did he do it, he did a great job. you know, yeah, exactly. Golf clap, you know, whatever kind of clap you Yeah, stick Devin Serra: Stick taps. Stick taps to Aaron. College Hockey South: taps, stick taps to Aaron. but one thing I've I've got to put in the hot seat on. so first night we get in and you know, in in a hotel for me, I go to the thermostat immediately. turn it down and starting to get comfortable. It's late at night, long day. And Aaron goes, man, it's actually pretty cold in here. He's like, you what, it's not my room, you know, it's his you know, we're sharing it. And I was like, Yeah, go ahead, tear it, you know, whatever you want. And then, it probably takes like fifteen minutes and I'm burning the hell up. and I get hot quickly, but at this was different. I go over, look at the thermostat. He put it at seventy one degrees. Okay. I I think this is grounds for termination. Like Aaron, you did a great job this weekend, but Devin Serra: That's what they turn the heat up to in elderly folks' homes so they don't freeze to death. College Hockey South: I know. Or they're supposed to do it in, elementary schools to make the kids drowsy. I don't get it. I was like, Aaron, you know what? I'm not even gonna dignify this. I'm not even gonna dignify it by touching it. You better turn this back down or I'm gonna throw you through that goddamn window. this is ridiculous. so yeah, basically I whenever I go into a hotel room, I turn it down to about sixty three, sixty-four. I wanna be as cold as possible. It's not I'm not paying the bill, right? I'm not paying for the AC. What about you? Devin Serra: well it yeah, as cold as you can get it when you're sleeping because that's just the best way to that's also why I'm so glad College Hockey South: Exactly. Devin Serra: I'm back a little bit in Michigan because yeah, I miss Florida, but holy crap, it is so nice to go to sleep and not have to worry about your AC unit shutting down. You can just crack open a window and boom, you're sleeping like a bird. yeah, that that's that's a that is a hot seat worthy. Aaron, it's two sides of the coin, man. Great announcer. You work your tail off. I know how much he puts into that. But damn. 71 degrees, my man. Like, forget it. so a longer episode, but College Hockey South: Yeah, I had to get that off my chest. Devin Serra: had had to get off your chest. Yeah, I respect it. No, I would want to get that two cents in too. Great job to you, by the way, Danny. We don't give you enough flowers, man. You did awesome on camera. Great broadcast. And thanks to all the staff for Columbus Classic and another successful year in Georgia. We're just about wrapping up. It was a bit of a Longer one, but a great conversation with Grace Seaman. Next week's episode is going to focus on Battle at the Beach. Our eight teams traveling down to South Florida and where Nat where playoffs is and Coral Springs at Panthers Ice Den. So stay tuned for that episode. But for now, this has been episode thirty six of College Hockey Mouth, the College Hockey South podcast. For Danny Baum, I'm Devin Cerro. We'll see you next time.