Latest / College Hockey Mouth / Episode 33: Gabby Donato | Auburn University Women's Hockey

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Episode 33: Gabby Donato | Auburn University Women's Hockey · College Hockey Mouth

• Devin Serra: Hello, everybody, and welcome back to College Hockey Mouth episode thirty three, covering all things college hockey south. My name is Devin Sarah, joined alongside Danny Baum and our special guest interviewer today and podcast co host, Avery Gugliato, Tampa women's hockey team, national champion by the way. It sounds like summer. I know we talked a little bit a couple Let the viewers know what have you been up to? Avery Gugliotta: What have I been up to? Honestly, this summer, I kinda guys, I'm not gonna lie, I took it easy this summer. I was really like I stayed, I was pretty much at the beach every day. I worked at a cafe. I made meatballs, I kid you not, like every day for my job. And it was a blast. You know, I couldn't have asked for a better summer and now I'm back in Tampa and just living the life. I'm loving it. Danny Baum: Okay. Okay. Devin Serra: So are we talking like Swedish meatballs here or are these like Polish, like Avery Gugliotta: No, just straight up like just Italian meatballs. They handed me a recipe my first day and we're like, Hey, make these. And I was like, All right. And so that's what I would do. Like every night I went to work and it was a blast. Can't ask for anything better. Devin Serra: I wish I had that kind of summer. Italian myself, envious whenever somebody gets more meatballs. I had a great place in Fort Lauderdale I could go across the street to that made but sadly not in Michigan now. but that's awesome to hear. so wonderful to have you here on episode thirty three. Danny Bohm, here we go. Let's go into the college football bit. I guess how was your weekend? Did you watch games? Did you watch hockey? What was new with you? Danny Baum: Okay. Okay. Avery Gugliotta: gosh. Danny Baum: Yeah, I watched some college football this past weekend. It was rough for my alma mater, South Carolina. And actually, Gugs, who I call her Gugs, but most people call her Googs. Little background. Avery Gugliotta: Yeah. Gooks, gugs, whatever you are. Yeah. Danny Baum: coach spelled her last name incorrect on the score sheet, so I mess with her, whatever. Anyway, she texted me talking shit about, I think she was calling me old or something. And I immediately was like, Avery Gugliotta: I wasn't talking shit. I was being genuinely curious because I don't know, you're you're kinda hunt, Danny. I'm sorry. I had to figure out the age. We had to figure it out. Danny Baum: Well, it was the wrong time. The point is it was the wrong time because Carolina was in the middle, blowing a 16 point lead. I was already off the Shane Beamer train last year after they blew the 30 to 3 lead to Texas A I'm fully off of it now. And maybe, I don't know, he's going to get fired eventually. I would like it to be tomorrow. It's not going to be. But yeah, that was embarrassing. Bad vibes. And there's only nine more games left. So, looking forward to those, Devin. Devin Serra: you know, listen man, it I talked about it before, but I'm a Michigan State fan. They lost to Notre Dame. All I can say is I'm proud they kept it close. it must suck having a coach you thought was gonna take you to the promised land and then you run into a steampile. I mean look, it it's old miss L S U Georgia, Alabama and then and the rest in my mind. So sorry, you're not able to enjoy that over in, you know, what is it, Columbus? I don't even remember what your Columbiaville. I don't even remember what your town is called. I don't even care. But you know, I watched a lot of hockey this weekend. fall face off was going off at the ACHA. Tampa, of course, played. They did pretty well. it's kind of funny when you are like a niche kind of viewer and you're watching just flow hockey because you pay forty dollars a month. Kind of egregious, but the subscription service has gotten better. They had some good broadcasters. One of them though, I mean, this guy must have like been born in Lake Placid before the nineteen thirty two championship. I mean, this guy You could he knows the game, but it was a tough listen, I'm not gonna lie. So there were moments where I was falling asleep during games. Full disclosure, you know, I love the game, but I wish we had a little higher production level for Flo. Other than that though, super busy weekend for all of us and you know, we're about to bring in our guest here, but you you joked, Avery, kind of about Danny's age. This is like the unction. we're all old as hell on this this co hosting group right now. I'm twenty four. I think Danny's like twenty nine, pushing thirty. Danny Baum: It's. Okay. Avery Gugliotta: Who's who's we old as hell? I'm still Devin Serra: You're you're twenty three now. Avery Gugliotta: at college here. You guys are the old ones. I'm here for the younger demographic. Devin Serra: I mean, yeah, but you know, I feel like you're kinda getting into now the upper echelon being older. Avery Gugliotta: Yeah, I'm getting into the age that I'm like a little too old to be playing hockey, still doing stuff. So I'm getting there, but one more year and then I then I hang up. Devin Serra: There you go. Well Danny Baum: you Devin Serra: I I was supposed to hang it up two years ago and here I am. But you know, enough about us. Avery Gugliotta: Okay, all roads lead to beer lead. Devin Serra: Yeah. I I mean, Danny Baum: Exactly. Devin Serra: hey, as if you could stay in the Acha for a decade, do it. You know, it it's the greatest place on earth. speaking of of ACA players and actually the person we really want to hear from today, this is a member of the Auburn University Tigers hockey team. we welcome into college hockey mouth, Gabby Donato. Gabby, welcome. How are you doing? Gabriella Donato: I'm good, how are you guys? Thank you for having me. Devin Serra: Yeah, so happy to have you here. A Midwesterner, Lake Forest, Illinois native. you have pretty much been a a staple at Auburn, it seems, over the last couple of years we've gotten to know the program. certainly a rich, young but rich history now with your program. So, tell us a little bit about your upbringing in hockey coming from Illinois and ultimately how you got to where you are. Gabriella Donato: so I'm from a suburb that's about 30 minutes outside of Chicago. So I first started skating when I was three. I started figure skating actually, and then all my older cousins and my brothers played hockey. So when I was about five, I put on hockey skates. And I actually did both figure skating and hockey competitively until I was about eleven, and then I decided I was done with figure skating. And then I started playing AAA. and then in high school I did both Triple A and my high school hockey team. So I was double rostered, which was a lot of fun. And then here I am. Devin Serra: Yeah, I love to hear about that that historical side of players that went through different programs, sort of you know, especially triple A being a high level. when you were younger, I'm sure it was a lot of changing, a lot of competitiveness. You know, what was it like playing against girls at that level? Did you play against girls that wanted to play in N C double A or high level, you know, elsewhere? Like what was the competition you were playing against? Gabriella Donato: Yeah, a lot of like Division One girls, a lot of my teammates went division one. I decided that wasn't the path for me because I want to be a veterinarian, so I was like, it's time for me to finally focus on like academics. but like I played against Layla Edwards in a tournament before Caroline Harvey. Like they are insane. Like the talent they have, like, wow. And then I look back and I'm like, I can't believe I used to like compete at that level. It's really crazy. Danny Baum: Okay, so you said you're from a suburb of Chicago. I've got to ask as a fan, are you a Northsider or a Southsider? Gabriella Donato: I'm a White Sox fan. South Cider. Danny Baum: okay. Well... Devin Serra: Like the Pope. Danny Baum: Well, yeah, Devon's wearing the Tigers hat, so immediate op. I have to Gabriella Donato: Yeah! Danny Baum: say, as a Cubs fan, I can't really hate on the White Sox all too much. I know it's a lot different for people who are in the city. But yeah, that's unfortunate. Yeah, White Sox not good. They might make the playoffs this year, but... Gabriella Donato: good. Yeah, all of our teams are pretty much bad right now. We'll see how hockey goes, but I don't know. Danny Baum: I don't hold up, I'm not gonna hold out hope for hockey. Gabriella Donato: Neither am I. Devin Serra: We're all we're all struggling our hockey fandom. Well, I am. But we already talked about that last week a whole lot. you gave us a note that was pretty cool. you talked about playing at the United Center and the high school state championship. give us the breakdown of that experience. What was that whole whole what was that whole time like? Gabriella Donato: It was honestly it was it was insane. Like, so they recently changed it where state championships are no longer at the United Center. I think I was actually like the last year it happened there. It was just crazy because like we got bussed over to the United Center. We got dressed in like the opposing team's locker room. So like, where all these like NHL players sit, which was Absolutely insane. And then it's like you're on the visiting bench. Like they brought out like the works, you know? And it was just like insane to like be on that ice and to just look up in the stands and be in the United Center and like the vibe of everything and like the fans that were there with the families, the friends. It was crazy. We had one girl on our team got a penalty and she was like, My butt was just where Alexander Ovechkin's butt was and I was like that really puts it into perspective of how cool it was. So was just crazy. Devin Serra: Gooks, you got anything? Avery Gugliotta: no, that's super cool. Honestly, I'd feel the same way if I was sit where over you sitting like that. Such a cool experience. for you, how was that like when you go from playing up north and like like having like those such like those cool memories and then coming to play at Auburn? Like, was that like a weird transition for you? Or is it like, you know, did it feel pretty natural just being able to come down and just get to playing? Gabriella Donato: It was a giant change, honestly. The hockey culture here is just not like what it is back home. So it was like the team itself was just different. You know, we had girls from all these different areas with different like ranges of experience, which was different. And just like you walk around campus, like I'll walk around campus in like my Auburn hockey sweatshirt and they're like, my god, there's a women's team, and it's just like it's just a giant change, especially the drive to our rink. We actually practiced in a different state, which is kind of nuts. But once Yeah. Yeah. So Avery Gugliotta: Yeah, you guys are in Columbus, right? In Georgia. That's pretty cool. Gabriella Donato: our Auburn's actually in central time. Columbus is in Eastern, so every time we practice, have a game, we have to deal with the time zone change, which is something I'm not used to. So it was a big change. But once you got into like the groove of things and the swing of things, it's like my new normal, I guess, but it's like it's a lot of fun. I love it. Devin Serra: And as far as like your time on campus, getting to know Auburn and the roots of how you came to find out about the program, what was that process like? How did you find this program? Were there others that you looked at? And if so, what went into your decision to ultimately play for the Tigers? Gabriella Donato: So I was looking at a bunch of different schools, mainly out east. I'm not the biggest fan of the heat, so I wasn't sure I wanted to go south. But since I wanna be a vet, I was looking at schools that had animal science, which is my major and like that had of at school because obviously that's my next step after I graduate. And I visited Auburn's campus and I kind of just fell in love with it and the people and the area. And at first I wasn't so sure I wanted to go to Auburn. but finally like once like the clock started ticking about the choice I had to make, I was like, yeah, this is where I'm gonna go. So I'm very happy I'm here and I love all my professors and stuff. It's like it's been great, honestly. Devin Serra: I I love that time is taking perspective. Avery Gugliotta: Guess I'm gonna guess you're a big football fan too. Gabriella Donato: I'm actually not a football fan, but the football's Avery Gugliotta: Really? Gabriella Donato: the the games are so fun to watch because we have like the Blackhawk helicopters that like fly over the stadium and like the Eagle flight before every game, so that's a lot of fun. Just like the marching band too is insane. But the game itself, not the biggest fan, but hey, I'm there for the vibes. Avery Gugliotta: Exactly. You're there for the the team the team spirit, school spirit. That's all you need really. Just funds. Gabriella Donato: Exactly. Devin Serra: I I g I'm curious, does the school like clubs and sects know that you guys exist as like your program and the men's programs? Because it seems like when you talk to some of the southern programs that are getting notoriety, your guys' brand comes up, especially since the men's play Alabama. I know you guys do too. You know, what's that campus recognition like? Gabriella Donato: as far as the men's team goes, I feel like they're pretty well known. I don't know about like by students themselves, but Auburn's a very family friendly campus, so we're in the middle of a town. So there's a lot of families and things and kids that go to the games. for us too, we have a lot of the little girls come out to our games, which is great. A lot of people are starting to like recognize our team more because we've been more in like the news lately and stuff. We actually just had like an article that is gonna be written about us through the school's publishing office, which is really cool. but people are starting to take notice of us and our games and how well we've been doing since we started four years ago I think it was. So it's been awesome to see now my junior year versus my freshman year, how many people are like, when's your next game? Or can't wait to see you there. So it's been it's been a nice change about how we've been like growing and gaining more attention. Devin Serra: I I think that's a cool perspective and the family friendliness you talk about, gaining popularity through the youth programs. we've got Columbus Classic coming up and every year there's a learn to skate, learn to play hockey program and you know that's a whole lot of fun. I'm sure you know, you'd be all over it. You know, I wanna know kind of a little bit more about your program specific and Abby Lynn, right? Like notably the player retired up in the rafters there, your guys rank. You know, did you have any relationship with her? Or players that were with her and, what's that kind of been like within your team? Gabriella Donato: She's the best. Like we all love her. I got the opportunity to play with her my whole freshman year. She's awesome and she did everything for this program and she got it to the point that we could build even more on it. So she took us like she's in med school now. So like she's doing great. She still comes out to support us and everything. She's always there if you need her. And she's just like grew this thing to where it needed to be and then she kinda handed it off to us to grow it even more and it's been doing great. Like she's our number one fan and we all love her. Especially when she stops by the ring. But she's really busy so it doesn't happen as much anymore, which is kinda sad. But she comes to the ring for practices sometimes and she pulls out like her doctor moves that she's learning in med school and it's like, wow. It's crazy. Devin Serra: What does that mean, Doctor Moose? Can you can you elaborate? Gabriella Donato: She like did l some physical therapies part like section of med school or something. She was just like cracking people's bones and stuff. Like she cracked my back. It was just like I don't even know what happened. It was wild. Devin Serra: So you're saying you got free labor out of her to be a team physician? Is that what I'm understanding? Gabriella Donato: Yeah, pretty much. Yeah. Mm hmm. Devin Serra: Noted. Okay, cool. Get your number retired, then you become a physician, I guess. Danny Baum: Speaking of free labor, well you guys had your first game on Saturday afternoon, you played Florida, and then you guys were you guys were supposed to play Sunday, but that game ultimately got cancelled. Devin Serra: listen, it's been so much fun to watch your team compete. you know, as far as like when you are talking to girls about coming to your school, you know, what are some of the challenges that your program faces in terms of your scheduling or the kind of logistics and what role, if any, do you kind of play in in helping your team with that? Gabriella Donato: Honestly, our biggest issue with recruiting isn't like getting girls that are interested in Auburn, it's admissions. Because you have to obviously get into the school to be able to play. And Auburn has gotten so hard to get into that it's just you get a ton of girls that wanna come, but only so many of them can get in. We were lucky this year we had six girls come in, which is great. but like in years past, like to my sophomore year, I think there was like maybe twelve that wanted to come in. Only three got in, also it's like they get in but they choose to go somewhere else, which obviously is good for them because they're finding the school that's best for them, but sucks for us. Avery Gugliotta: Gabby, you're saying you had six new girls join this year. Like that's awesome for you guys. and I've us obviously seen you guys at tournaments and games and your Instagram. You guys have a good, really great team culture. how do you guys like, you know, how do you build that team culture, especially with so many new girls coming in and, you know, with graduating classes leaving? How do you guys keep that culture so strong within your program? Gabriella Donato: We just like to have a lot of fun together. Like we just do things like outside of hockey. we'll go get dinner together, just go to the men's games, just like little things that all build up into something more. We just try to have fun on and off the ice. So, in the locker room before a game Saturday, we were dancing and stuff. it's just having fun together is just really what grows us all together and we're all at Auburn for school and also we're all connected by hockey and we all wanna play the game and love the game, so that brings us a lot closer. Danny Baum: Yeah, Dev and I usually do a a pre podcast dance. I think you joined a little bit late to see it, but it brings us together as well. So I'm with you there. Devin Serra: Amen. whenever we get the chance if we meet up Danny, you and I are gonna go back to back on just dance doing raspeteen. or we can sing the Edmund Fitzjo to the bar, whichever you prefer. karaoke's the specialty. Danny Baum: Or could or we could sing the national anthem like Avery. I don't know if we'll be as good as she was, but Gabby, did you know that she did that? Avery Gugliotta: I know. Devin Serra: I actually want to I actually want to make it a quartet this year. What do you think, Avery? You that'd be a good idea? Avery Gugliotta: You know, honestly, I think that would be a good idea. Like if somebody's up there doing with me, I think it would be like ten times better. So I might might route or get you guys in there. Devin Serra: For people that don't remember, we had this bet fantasy hockey last year and whoever finished last had to do the national anthem at playoffs. So, we kind of quit the league halfway through low key, but fortunately Avery was the the biggest loser there. I didn't think he did bad. I thought the clip was amazing. you know, we ended up getting some good sound bites out of you. So thank you for being a good sport about it. you know, Gabby, we we we've touched on a lot of things here, your background. the program, you know, kinda your personal experience. We know you've had some personal challenges to fight through. what's it been like for you personally just trying to get healthy and back to a hundred percent and playing hockey the way you want to? Gabriella Donato: so this past like January, I started having troubles with my foot. And I'm one of those people that will push through until I can't anymore. So finally around All-Stars, it got to the point where I couldn't walk anymore. So right after All-Stars, I went to the doctor. my foot's broken. So I've been playing with a broken foot. I tried to heal up over the summer. hasn't healed completely yet, so I'm still skating on a broken foot and I will probably have surgery at the end of the season to take the bone out. So it hasn't been the best experience, but now that I'm like skating again and like doing what I'm supposed to, like ice and heat and all that, it feels better than it did last spring for sure. And the one perk is I get really good parking to get to class now. So that's honestly the best part of it. Devin Serra: but you're not like fully in a a boot or anything, are you, when you have to go to class? You're just Gabriella Donato: I was in a boot. I really only have to wear the boot if my foot gets really bad, so occasionally I've had to put it on. But I have like these orthotics and stuff in these new gym shoes that have been working great and since I do have good parking now for the school I don't have to walk very long to class. It's like the walks that are like twenty minutes really kill my foot and it's in a permanent state of swollen, which isn't great, but I'm used to it at this point, Devin Serra: Wow, I'll tell you what, I I commend that for being a trooper. Danny Baum: so you would not recommend playing on a broken foot? Gabriella Donato: Depends on the person, but probably not. Danny Baum: You wouldn't recommend doing the the college hockey south All Star Challenge with a broken foot? Gabriella Donato: I would not. I could not walk after that weekend. It was not pretty, but Danny Baum: I couldn't walk for most of the weekend, but for different reasons. Devin Serra: Unreal. you know, just to put a little side note on this, I think it was as a Red Wings fan, you think about Tales and History and I believe Steve Iserman played with something similar for a long time and you know, even more notable I believe Forsberg played on some sort of injury similar to that. So, we certainly hope you can get healthy. I know that's not as much fun as you'd like to be, and that's really what this is all about is trying to get as much experience as you can. For you as as being a junior, what's it been like for you to develop into kind of a leader? We know you're you're one of the top point getters. You've been a big contributor for that team. You know, what are some of the goals that you set out for yourself and then the rest of your girls when you measure success? Gabriella Donato: Honestly to just set everyone else up for success. I'm the type of person that puts everyone else before myself. So all I really want is like for our freshmen coming in, I want them to do well in school, to do well in hockey, to like find their place. So I'm constantly like most of them don't have cars at Auburn, so I'm constantly offering them rides, driving them to the rink and all that. And I just want everyone to like enjoy hockey and be able to have the college life that they want, like the experience, and be able to look back on Auburn and say, I had the best time ever here. And for myself, obviously I want to have another great season, rack up some points, set other people up for points and just like have a winning season. So it should be a lot of fun. Devin Serra: Not to steal a question from another place and I believe Gavin's one that loves to ask this stuff, but what's like your favorite memory you've had or something that's a little bit club hockey ish that people people may not have heard before? Gabriella Donato: The rides to the rink. just like the carpools in general. I'm the big driver out of all of us. Like I have the biggest car. The two other juniors on the team, well there's a couple of us, but two of them don't have cars, so I've driven the same two people since freshman year and like I added freshmen this year to the carpool. But we just like the car's like the time to talk, to sing along talk about games, rant about things. Like it's just a lot of fun. not so fun when you're driving like five or six hours to tournaments and stuff, but it's like trauma bonding, so you get used to it. Danny Baum: which foot is is broken? Is it the one that's on the gas and the I don't think you should be the Gabriella Donato: Yeah, it is. It is. Danny Baum: driver. Gabriella Donato: Hey, well I've been doing just fine. We're good. Smooth ceiling. No speeding tickets. Danny Baum: No s no no speeding tickets in in southern Georgia. Gabriella Donato: No speeding tickets. Danny Baum: We usually get at least one intern or staff member on the way to Columbus Classic that gets a speeding ticket because of G H P, Gabriella Donato: The costs are terrible. We made like Danny Baum: yeah. Gabriella Donato: Yeah, we made like, well, I did. Last year we caught one of the girls pulled over on the way back from practice. We drove by and noticed her pulled over. So we took her headshot and we put it like on a mug shot and like we have like this storage closet, so I was gonna print it out and put it up there in the storage closet. So that became a thing as as soon as someone got pulled over, I would put their picture on a mug shot. So Danny Baum: Yeah, I don't know about you guys, but I think I'd have I'd take issue with my teammate with a broken foot driving me around. Like, hey, you you wanna let us have a turn or I don't know. Devin Serra: I feel like if it'd be anybody though, I would trust Gabby Donato. Like just in the thirty minutes that I've Danny Baum: Right, right. Devin Serra: talked to you, I'd like, Yeah, that like that makes sense. Like you could have like a broken clavicle or like your arms just ripped off and I'd like, Yeah, like Gabby's gonna get us. They're just gonna point the ship in the right direction. you know, I I gotta ask, and I don't know if Googs was gonna, you know, ask about any of the songs 'cause I know she's an expert in it, but what's like your team's bonding song? You guys got me? Gabriella Donato: Not really, it's just like whatever comes on. I think what they were dancing to in the locker room on Saturday might have been Britney Spears, maybe. I don't know. And then I told them to change the song to something better. Not to trash Britney Spears, but it was just like a not like good dancing song. So but it all depends on like the mood for people. We like to play volleyball like before and after warm ups. so we have a volleyball and we'll just sit in a circle and do that. A lot of girls do their own things. I always have to tape my stick and then I always have like my pregame Starbucks. like our goalie Steph. Sometimes she's like throws her tennis balls at the wall. Just like the little things. But the biggest one for the team is just like the volleyball. 'Cause some girls are Not to call them out, but they're not the best, so it's kind of funny to watch. Danny Baum: Call out. Call out. Call out do it. Gabriella Donato: Well, I don't even know who's the best. It's just like a collective like effort that's not great. The ball just goes flying. It's really funny. There's a few girls that can play volleyball, but majority not the best. But it makes it funnier because people are like running around like chickens with their heads cut off, which is really funny. Devin Serra: it the perfect illustration of a club hockey team. Like, you know what, we we we went on and off the ice. We don't actually win, but we went on and off the ice. I love it because I'm a big fan of volleyball. We have a lot in that state of Michigan here. you know, last thing for me and and you know, Danny Avery, feel free to have a little bit more if you'd like. But, you know, as far as for you, what is something that if you had to end this year, heading to next year, look back on and what you want to achieve and Ultimately, what would you say to girls that want to attend and come to Auburn and play hockey at your school? Gabriella Donato: Honestly, I would say them it's a lot of fun and it's the best place to balance academics and hockey to get a great education and to also be on a competitive team. Like we practice twice a week. Our game schedule's pretty great. So it's a lot of fun and it's a good balance of like away and home. So like when we go away trips, we go on a lot of like Not like excursions, but I think we play Tennessee in two weeks and I think we're planning to go to Dollywood, which will be a lot of fun. So it's just like a good balance and it's just so much fun. And the team is so close, like they're my best friends. So it's just like coming to Auburn if you want to find like your best friends. Devin Serra: Well, good stuff. Gabby, we appreciate your time here on Kalachaki Mouth. It was awesome catching up with you. get healthy, enjoy your season, have a safe travels, enjoy the the the car rides, the trauma bottom or whatever you call it, and we look forward to seeing your performance on the ice. Gabriella Donato: Thank you for having me, guys. Danny Baum: Thank you. Devin Serra: Thank you so much to Gabby Donato for joining us on College Hockey Mouth, one of the leaders at Auburn University. So much respect I have for her, especially just a warrior. playing through the troubles she's having with her health and stuff and having to drive the girls for hours. That is not a fun task. And I've certainly been there on the media side, but Devon Sarah, Denny Baum, Every Googliata. now Googs, you know, we had a lot of fun with you there and we've got a great slate here of of games, but I wanted to ask you real quick, as far as your schedule, I mean Tampa it's a lot of like on and off, especially in the first semester. what are you doing to stay busy? Like are is the team going out in downtown or what are you guys doing together? Avery Gugliotta: you know, we're staying busy, doing as many team outings as we can. we got practice every week and doing some open skates together. But just team outings, gonna leave it at that. But yeah, we all like to hang out a lot, Devin Serra: Okay. Avery Gugliotta: Tampa. Just staying busy as we can. Devin Serra: So so I take it you're not doing karaoke night then? Like you you know, after your performance I feel like that would be your thing now. Avery Gugliotta: You know, that might be the Devin Serra: I mean, we're gonna ride this till it's dead. Avery Gugliotta: it's fine. No, karaoke and I might be next up on the team outing board, I'm not gonna lie. I'm gonna be hogging the mic all night. That's all I know. Devin Serra: Can we pitch ideas Danny Baum: Yeah, on the Devin Serra: to you? Avery Gugliotta: Sorry. Devin Serra: Can we pitch an idea? Avery Gugliotta: Please. Devin Serra: So, I know Bucks games have a lot of fun. do you guys happen to have have you been out to a place called Ibor City? Avery Gugliotta: Devin, have I been to Ybor City? I should have I been. Fresh near me Devin Serra: Hear me out. Hear me out. Avery Gugliotta: was was a rat in Ybor. Devin Serra: Well, Devin and his short time visiting Tampa was a rad and evil. so if you if you ever pass by a place called the castle. Avery Gugliotta: No, Devin, not the castle. Come on. Out of all the places in Tampa. God, you know. Devin Serra: It was electric. I d what what do you want me to say? Like, yeah, I mean it's got its it's got its weird parts, but what, you never been there? Come on now. Avery Gugliotta: But I've heard the stories. it's definitely a spot, but I guess I don't know, if you're down here for Gasparella tournament, I need to go somewhere else. I don't know. Danny Baum: What are what are the Devin Serra: okay. So I get it. So Danny Baum: what are the stories? Devin Serra: you're you're a yeah, like Avery Gugliotta: You don't wanna know. there's Danny Baum: Yeah, no, don't leave Avery Gugliotta: two bad Danny Baum: us in the dark. Avery Gugliotta: It's let's just say it's a very fun place, but it's a very weird mix of people. Cause you got like some random college kids, but you also got like some older people and then you got some way older people and you know people from all Danny Baum: Okay. Avery Gugliotta: walks of life. So it's a they'll they'll collaborate at the castle and it's you're in for a night if you go there. Danny Baum: Sounds like a great time with the castle. Avery Gugliotta: Danny, I can see you going to the castle. That's all I gotta say. Danny Baum: I don't know how I don't know how to take that, but you know what? Devin Serra: he'd be he'd be a a vulture. Four in the morning, he's not getting out there until Igor's forced him out. I could totally see Danny Avery Gugliotta: He will be absolutely. Devin Serra: getting stuck. I could see even Danny, Danny Baum: I hate to bring it back to a more serious question. but Devin, we talked about this last week, because I posed the thought that, it seems like this year more than more seasons in the past, like at the top in the hierarchy of CHS teams there's more turnover on the rosters and you guys lost a lot of seniors. so kind of walk us through how different your roster's gonna look this year because you guys were incredibly successful last year, national champion, conference champion, Columbus Classic, all that. So what's that gonna be looking like? Avery Gugliotta: it was definitely a big shift because we lost so many seniors. but I think the we have a really good group that's returning. and we were able to get a pretty large new class of girls coming in. And, we're excited for any new talent that we get. And I think definitely like this first part of our season's gonna be a good learning moment for us because we had pretty much the same team for the past like couple of years, it's always been pretty similar. So I think adding those new players in the mix is something really exciting for us. And I think it's just gonna like, you know, takes me used to all like, you know, learning how each other play. And we're actually becoming more of a Chicago team now. We used to be like all Massachusetts players and now some Danny Baum: Yeah. Avery Gugliotta: are girls from that part of the country. So I'm just excited for the season and you know we're taking it day by day. Obviously we had a great season, but I don't think we're gonna, just ride off of the coattails what we had last season. We're gonna just keep building and keep growing and improving the program for these new girls that are coming in. Just leave them in a better place than they came in. So I'm excited for everything this season has to offer. Devin Serra: honestly, my thing is with Tampa and as far as rankings go, because Dan and I, we love talking about this stuff later in the year. you're coming from AAU. Congrats on the title. I mean, that's awesome. Avery Gugliotta: Thank you. Devin Serra: ACHA is a quote unquote different ballpark now. Sioux College is gone, so things are wide open. Your region though has perhaps, in my opinion, the most parity among the four that exist. Like the central It's almost always gonna be northern Michigan, Ohio State, Central Michigan. And now for you, I mean look, Naval Academy, they lost a couple of games out in fall face off. I know you might not have watched all those games, but you know, Villanova, you're gonna play against Delaware, you guys finished sixth. You were only a couple spots technically out of being eligible if you were gonna go a CHA route. So, I am one hundred percent because I can be biased, gonna be rooting for Tampa to make it to nationals. I think you guys can Avery Gugliotta: I appreciate that. Devin Serra: compete there. I think you guys would see what that experience is like in Saint Louis and get an absorption of it. You've already played in a tournament style, so you're not like you're coming in there fresh, brand spake and new. Like it's it's it's like Jacksonville but different, So, we're wishing luck to you here, for real. Danny Baum: shifting gears off of one Tampa team that is bringing in a whole lot of new talent off of you know previous national championship success. This Tampa team at two, which obviously had a tough end of the season, with all the injuries to their goalies down the stretch and nationals was nationals. It is what it is. they had a huge test. with a whole bunch of new players, three new goalies on their roster that weren't enrolled at University of Tampa before this year. And I think they passed with flying colors. I don't know, what would you say? Devin Serra: Well, referring to fall face off, and we'll kind of get into part of our discussion for them, two and one record, they killed Siena. Twelve to two. they looked like the better team by a mile in that game. Michigan State is a very good regional opponent for them. they although yes, made nationals last year, I feel like they're in a very similar boat as far as you know, where Tampa is as a program. I gotta say, Del Treco, Bellevo, I hope I'm saying that right, Colin there, like those guys did up to the test. losing Kyle Meyer is not an easy thing to replace. I felt like Lindenwood, even though that game, people that didn't watch, was very chippy, very on par for Tampa's characteristic. Kuzlix told his guys do not back down from anybody. They took it to Lindenwood, not just physicality wise. in the score, they even that game up multiple times. Lindy one got the edge because they had that clutch factor going on a weekend. It happened against Weber State. It happened against the other two team they played, I'm forgetting. So they have the toughest schedule perhaps of any two team. And we talked about that last week. I think this team is a nationals ready team. I don't know if they're gonna be top two to get an auto bid, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're not one of the top teams out of the region once we get into February. Danny Baum: Yeah. like you said, ton of penalties in that Lindenwood game. And if you remember their series in Saint Louis against Lindenwood last year, they hunting tough against a really, really good Lindenwood team. That was, the the shock of the postseason, the fact they didn't even make it to nationals, 'cause they lost to that Michigan State team. But they hung tough with that Lindenwood team, but the thing that killed them was just constant penalties. And not just exclusive to that series. they always take boatloads of penalties and it hurts them. It's gonna hurt any team eventually. you spend, a quarter or half the game on the penalty kill. I think Lindenwood had nine power plays in this game, which doesn't factor in all the coincidenal penalties that were taken and that's obviously something they're gonna have to address eventually, maybe not, 'cause it doesn't seem like they really, curtailed that behavior at any point in the past. But very promising start for a team that initiated a lot of new talent, whether it be guys coming in from outside the program or from the D three team that came up. like you said, they have a really, really difficult schedule and They're gonna be under the gun, under fire, the rest of the way. Devin Serra: Ready to see that and then more. congrats to them on the trip too. First of a couple, we hope. And like we said, St. Louis, we'll be talking about them all the way until we can, in regionals. So also big tick taps to Alex Muller. He had this insane backhand Danny Baum: yeah. Devin Serra: or flipper against Michigan State that was featured on the ACHJ hockey page. one of the nicest goals I've seen Moeller score, and I've seen a couple. I've seen him assist on a couple. guys like Satter Dahlin, especially, Giederman. Played well in this series this weekend. big shout out to Michael Schmelzer, who was a power play fiend for them. I really like what they have there. And in this game, I mean, last thing I'll t say about it, they outshot Lyndon Wood, if that means a lot. And they did it by twelve. Danny Baum: Yeah. Devin Serra: you know, shots are kind of you know, quid pro. Some people care about it, some don't. I thought it was something to note for Tampa there. Great job out in ACHA fall face off on Lake Placid. Guys, let's get real quick to our news of the week. the big story, the massive one that was posted on our CHS Instagram page was the announcement of a new conference. College Hockey North is getting set to take fold in the 2027-28 season. As Commissioner Kyle Nell released in a statement. College Hockey North is created with a simple goal to make the college hockey experience about more than just a game. this conference will be in collaboration with College Hockey South. It's gonna be essentially run similar people. Kyle now overseeing at least we think in this near future, but they're gonna have the opportunity to collab with college hockey South teams, showcases, all star events, international perhaps opportunities and then some guys, just your instant reaction to the to this news, there's there's been a lot of changes in the landscape of club hockey the last two years, you know, AAU being what happened to them, a lot of teams coming over, What was your guys' instant reaction to this news? Danny Baum: Aver, you're yeah, go ahead. Avery Gugliotta: Yeah. my answer to questions honestly, I'm just like really happy at seeing how much growth CHS has had in the past couple of years and to even grow to College hockey north. I think that's something so huge. especially speaking from the women's side. when I started at Tampa, we only had I think six teams. And so to grow to the amount of teams that we have in the South now and now adding northern teams, I just think this is so huge for just college hockey in general. club and just being able to get more people, those opportunities, especially girls hockey, more opportunities to play in college. I think it's awesome. I'm excited to see where it goes, especially since I won't be here next year, but I'm excited to like see the growth from an outside perspective. Danny Baum: Definitely. the the growth is something that's kind of been crazy 'cause I've been a part of the the conference in a different aspect as long as Avery has been. so to see it blossom the way it has, has been crazy. It really has. And what I'm most excited for are that whatever teams that end up joining, you know, across the northern part of the US. They'll have the opportunity to be in a conference that has the the quality of people that are running CHS. And like I've said, I've been a part of this conference now for longer than anyone else on the staff, besides Kyle. And I I know that You're gonna have someone that's gonna go to bat for you and you're gonna have someone that wants to make sure you get the most out of your club hockey experience. so really, really excited for what the future holds for that conference. yeah. Very, very interesting, Devin. Devin Serra: It very interesting and we didn't hear about any teams announced. There's no formal plans as far as further what we got in this statement. However, you'd you'd have to assume it's gonna be a similar model, structure and and certainly region-wise to what College Hockey South is. You know, when I think about teams in the Northeast, especially at two and three, I think of some NECA teams. obviously the the the New Englanders teams, there's you know, a million of them, right? And they're kind of all scattered There's been a lot of the turnover with AAU teams coming over, some of the Empire League, some that have left their league, some that have left College Hockey South. And if nothing else too, I feel like more teams is even more security and it helps grow the brand and it helps grow those programs in recruiting and competition level. you certainly want to grow within the ACHA, and so I think this is a great opportunity for them to do that and really make an impact. elsewhere in the country that it's not just about regional teams down here. Should be noted though that this will be a separate conference as far as we know. So they're gonna be a bit independent. Share resources, share allocation, maybe staff, but in general they will be a separate Danny Baum: And logo. Devin Serra: entity. And logo. Well I mean Danny Baum: Ca pretty much. All right. Avery Gugliotta: Quick letter change, that's about it. Danny Baum: I can't be the only person that that thought this. When you look at the press release, does the CHN logo look smaller than the CHS one? Avery Gugliotta: I don't know. I honestly don't know if Devin Serra: That's a fair criticism. Avery Gugliotta: I looked at it long enough to recognize that. You're a graphics guy though. Devin Serra: It's Avery Gugliotta: That's like you that's your job to know that stuff. Devin Serra: It's almost like Avery Gugliotta: Okay. Devin Serra: and total respect to you or whoever designed this, that like they took the CHS one and they were like, Okay, we need to like Photoshop, delete the PNG file, and then vector draw when you use like illustrator, the lo the letters in. So I will give you that. It does look slightly different. Maybe it's just how we're seeing it, but I agree. Maybe it is it is a little bit smaller, you know, all fair credit. Yeah. Danny Baum: It looks smaller. It I how it looks doesn't really make a difference to me. Like it's cool. Like you just swap out the S for the N, I get it. But on the actual press release it looks smaller than CHS one. I don't know, maybe I'm just weird. but but getting awfully close Devin Serra: I when you say Kyle's gonna go to bat for you, I are you sure he's gonna like that kind of word? 'Cause you're really picking straws Danny Baum: But Devin Serra: here. Danny Baum: dude, I'll I'll give him shit. I don't care. I I've broken down Devin Serra: ha ha Danny Baum: the Kyle hard ass walls that he has. but yeah, considering all the various responsibilities he's taken on for CHS alone, the fact that he's expanding to the north and adding another conference is pretty crazy and very admirable. you can tell actions speak louder than words and you know, with his actions you can tell how passionate he is about growing hockey. Devin Serra: Awesome news there. We love to see more club teams under the umbrella for our group and College Hockey North is going to be in swing. Look out for that next club hockey season in 2027 and 28. Next on our news this week we announced the battle at the beach. We'll be returning to Coral Springs October 24th and the 25th. Been doing this a couple of years now. A great tournament last year. We had a lot of exciting games, especially in the battle division side. We've got an Eight team similar field to last year. Battle division will be all men's division three schools with Embry Riddle, Bob Joyce Hockey Baby. We know Danny Baum loves it. Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, and the Tampa Spartans. So you got some big rivalries there and some really heavy hitter teams. I mean Embry Riddle's coming off a lot of success against Tampa, especially. FGCU was a nationals team. great pool there, and then the beach division side is the ACDC teams. Plus one M3 in Florida, who was an ACDC team last year. It's the Gators, the Seminoles, the Florida Tech Panthers, and the Jacksonville Dolphins. Tickets will be available online and at the door. Make it easy to catch action throughout the weekend. You can buy a day pass for $10 or a weekend pass, both days, for $20. And of course, we'll have our Columbus Classic Preview episode in the next week or two. That's our most upcoming tournament before Battle at the Beach. Danny Baum: I've gotta mention you brought up J U being a part of Battle of the Beach. Did you see their new uniform set and the turnout they had for their home opener this past weekend? Devin Serra: I did. I very much I saw photos. big shout out to their staff there. they sent us photos actually, to feature on on another page and they were very similar to the Florida Danny Baum: Devin worked for hockey house. Devin Serra: look. I well, Avery Gugliotta: Good job. Devin Serra: there you go. Yes, thank you. the hockey house, they sent photos and they had a similar, if not same crowd size to Florida's opener when they played high point. big shout out to our friend at Southern Hockey Network Gavin Coker, Danny Baum: Yes. Devin Serra: does a great job there. He'd be killing me if I butchered the name of it. I know he's listening, so thank you to those guys for broadcasting those games, traveling all the way from their campus there at Florida Southern. it was awesome. I love it. J U, yes, I did see the new Jersey set. one of the best among where they play. And I think in the ACHA, it is so clean to see the Dolphin and the the Finns, especially. Danny Baum: Yeah. Devin Serra: The white just really, really pops there. I mean, what what did you think about all that? Danny Baum: Well, I mean, considering they're a second year program and they're on their second set of uniforms, I love it. And I love the direction. Like we couldn't say enough good things about last year and for good reason. They had good showings at their home games. And, you know, they made it all the way to the championship game and ended up losing to Florida State, but still, you gotta love the direction their program is headed. Really exciting. Seems like they're growing and their home crowd. for that opener was really really good and once again shout out to Gavin Southern Hockey Network they did a great job with the stream. speaking of new uniforms though, because Tampa rolled out their new ones and it kind of looked like a rebrand, not really, but they had the pirate ship on the one. I've been hearing, Devin, I've been hearing that there are some other new uniforms in the line at the University of Tampa. This time for the women's team. Avery Gugliotta: I guess you'll have to wait until maybe this weekend. See and our our media day. Like, we got some new ones. I don't know, they rumor on the mail is they're gonna they're gonna look pretty cool. No. After Devin Serra: By this week, this is gonna release on Friday. Do you mean we'll see it before? Are we gonna see these before Friday? Or after? okay, okay. So great, you're gonna put on s well give give Danny Baum: Okay, then this this will be Avery Gugliotta: After it's a surprise. Yeah. But I mean they Devin Serra: us the sneak peek, you know, in terms of your favorites, just off the speculation, where does it rank among your favorites right now? Avery Gugliotta: I mean, gas feed jerseys are always my number one. Our gasparella ones were Danny Baum: Mm-hmm. Avery Gugliotta: sick, but I mean, these rank pretty high. They're they're awesome jerseys. I think they're gonna look great. I'm very excited. I'm honestly kind of I'm gonna be a little surprised with them too. I mean, I saw a lot like a little bit of a C peak last year, but I don't know fully what they're gonna look like. And I'm pretty excited for So it'll be a surprise for our team, for everyone else, and we're excited to show off and just have a new New sky going into this new year. We're excited. Danny Baum: Well break break the yeah, break this down for us Devin Serra: Big sty. Huge for the Knight of Champs. Danny Baum: because it was like a necessary uniform change because you guys got a new Avery Gugliotta: Yeah. So Danny Baum: logo, right? Avery Gugliotta: yeah, so you so University of Tampa, they used to go as like U T, like our U logo's U T, but obviously like Texas, Tennessee, like all these teams. So they rebranded to be U Tampa because gives us more name. so our logo changed, but the logo we've had on the jerseys, was the original ones. They were like, you gotta change up. So that logo won't be on it anymore. You know, our Spartan head is still like our main team logo. but yeah, like that U T patch we always had on our shoulders, that won't be there. So had to change it up a little bit, but we're excited because new style, it's always it's always so fun. It just gives you little boost of confidence and we're all excited, especially for our media day too. Be flexing them or it'll be good. I'm excited. Devin Serra: I'd flex you guys should because yeah, we know the TikTok game is very strong, so I can't wait to see a couple of those now over the next couple of weeks. Danny Baum: Though they get cra they get Avery Gugliotta: don't worry, that'll Danny Baum: crazy engagement on their a and Avery Gugliotta: Thanks for Danny Baum: and by the way, she she was the big star on their last media day for hockey house. when she had the guitar. Avery Gugliotta: yeah, what yeah. Devin Serra: That's right. Yep. Front page. She's Danny Baum: We should have known she had musical talent then. Devin Serra: in the feed. Avery Gugliotta: Yeah, I'll bust out the national anthem on a guitar and stuff. Devin Serra: full disclosure, we're gonna ask you probably to play that then on the pod. Just say it. I think that would be pretty awesome. Give us a little tune. Avery Gugliotta: Funny enough, my teammate Joey Burns actually has my guitar right now. Cause it's more like a class, but I mean, I can go and get it out of the dorm. It's very fun. I'll play a little song, I'll serenade you. Why not? Danny Baum: Friend of the pod, Joey Burns. Devin Serra: I I think we'd we'd be Avery Gugliotta: Friend of the bar, Joe Rhodes. Devin Serra: a first. Friend of the pie, that's right. my god. Playing a guitar on this podcast of the f I don't think anybody's ever played a guitar on a hockey podcast. I feel like we gotta fact check that somewhere. I wonder if Chick Litz has done it. Probably not. but good stuff, good stuff. We love the jerseys. And we'll talk about you guys and more coming up with with Columbus Classic. But let's get to our game recaps for week three, guys. It was a busy week. we talked about Fall face off with two, but three had all kinds of action. FAU and Lynn was our game of the week. Lynn had a dramatic three to two overtime win in Boca Ice Center on Friday night. Brian Yandel netted the breakaway game winner following just a brutal turnover by the Owls forwards. Lynn jumped out to the two-nothing lead in this game. Owls fought back in the third with goals in quick succession by Justin Lopes, Christopher Ianicelli. It wasn't enough. And Lynn ultimately takes the weekend there with a sweep over their rivals just down the road there in the Battle of Boca. Love it when these two teams play. I really expected more fist a cuffs because last year we highlighted this game and it got out of hand in a big way. Nearly had an entire team brawl at the very end. So you know, and Danny I'll throw you in here what is your instant thoughts on on a Lintine that had a lot to prove in this one. Danny Baum: Yeah, you wanted to see them take the the next step and get back into the playoff picture, I would have liked to have seen them win this game a little bit more emphatically. FAU is still a very, very young team and they're they got even younger because some of their top talent from last year got pulled up to two. So they're gonna be very young and they're still figuring it out. and maybe this is more of a sign of things to come from this young FAU team. Maybe they're coming into their own a little bit. it could just be a rivalry game, you know? battle for Boca makes things a little bit tighter. Devin Serra: Yeah, from what I watched and big credits to, Front of the Pod and Westmore and Owl T V. I, you know, obviously worked with those guys last year. I I felt like their crowd really pulled them back and got into it as things went on, but it's bitter down there. Those guys don't like it. So you know, credit to Lindo, credit to that staff for getting over the hump and an electric finish there. three Tampa, Emory Riddle, boy You know, I don't know if this was a shocker as much as it was surprising to see how the vastness of these two scores. Emory Riddle upset Tampa on Friday, three to two. Saturday, Tampa belted the Eagles in an eight to two final. Shades of when Miami upset Tampa last year is what I got in this one. ultimately Emory Riddle look, they've had a great start. they absolutely handled The hurricanes two weeks ago and they just continue to roll on. And not to mention they outshot Tampa in this game pretty good. They dominated the third period and the game Friday. we love to talk about both teams in the best light, but sometimes it's like, hey, when you're not expected to win, you get a little more attention, and certainly Amber Riddle does, but you know, Tampa looked like themselves on Saturday, goes Avery Gugliotta: That's the kind of problem that is. Devin Serra: from a ton of different guys. Brady Barber was the story there. He had a couple of points, couple of goals, power plays and such. But a big time split for Embry Riddle there. And continued the M3 side. How about another upset? three Miami. wow, they thumped the Eagles five to one on Saturday. FTC would answer back with a three to one win on Sunday. But Danny, bring you in here. They looked bad against Embry Riddle. And they come into this series, Elliana Stoolin plays great, and they get their team right back on track here to start the season. Danny Baum: Yeah. my mind immediately goes to Golf Coast though. considering how strong they finished the season last year and you know, they didn't do fantastic at nationals. They were still competitive though. they they made it to nationals, is the point. And they were within an eyelash of beating USF in the semifinals of the conference tournament. And they come out and give us an O and three start. Man, it just Very, very surprising to me, considering, how disciplined of a team they are. thought they would they would be ready to go from the get go. And that hasn't been the case. now they also lost some key contributors from their team, but everyone's going to. it's natural, you know. so that was the biggest takeaway for me. Devin Serra: Yeah, and I almost think of FGCU still as that characteristic defensive team. they're gonna be Danny Baum: Yes. Devin Serra: relying on BJ Riccardi a lot, it seems like, to get them through games, considering that they beat Miami on Sunday, but they were outshot and at times pretty badly. I I wonder who they can really rely on now to kick start things. certainly in the blue line they're gonna be fine. They still got Djorkovich there. Damonie McDaniels been pretty good from what I've heard. Owen Murphy, guys we know, but just a funky start and we'll have to find out what FGC is made of as the season goes on here. Turning things over to our woman's side, Auburn versus Florida. Gabby Donato we just had on. Tigers dominated them. Six to two win on Saturday. I am waiting sort of to see about this Auburn team for this year. it's one of those where they aren't maybe to the level of Alabama and Tampa and some others yet, but it seems like they're slowly getting there. Danny Baum: I think so, and I unfortunately it a huge part of this for me is what Florida lost off their roster from last year. I mean Avery can speak to it, how talented and dangerous they were as a team. they lost what, four or five of their biggest contributors, four skaters that either graduated or played their final year of eligibility and then their goalie transfer. so consider that's a massive loss to have. and yeah, they struggled. Auburn, much like Georgia, who we're gonna talk about in a little bit, seems like they're gonna have a little bit of an inside track to, recruit these high level players and, you know, build a more formidable roster. when you look at Georgia and Avery, you guys played them in the first round of the playoffs, directly after you sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Devin Serra: I don't know how many times they brought it up. It's been a few. Danny Baum: we've seen a steady improvement from Georgia from year to year to year and now they've started four and and you can like I said, you can speak to it unless you don't remember the events of the game 'cause you're still riding high from your performance. Avery Gugliotta: No, yeah, I remember playing Georgia in that game. they came out very tough in playoffs. they were ready to go. They were a tough team. they came out, they were gritty, they were ready to play. and Georgia and Auburn, honestly, within these past like four years, I think out of the women's division, they've easily had the most growth in how their teams have played. Like I remember freshman year coming out, like they, had so many players that were very new to hockey, you know, still learning the ropes of the game. and seeing them play now and, the way they're dominating in their games, is huge. And I think that's gonna help them just continually through next couple of years, just gain, more and more recruits and get more girls on those teams. because they're obviously very skilled. They're all very disciplined and clearly have like that great team culture. So it's hard in the women's division, but Gabby was saying, like with just like acceptance into the schools, that's really one thing that's hard for teams to get those girls because there's not a ton of women's players in general that want to come south. And then, when worrying about them even getting into your schools, it's hard to recruit. But I think they've both Danny Baum: Mm. Avery Gugliotta: teams, Auburn and Georgia, have done a great job with that for the past couple of years now. And so yeah, I'm excited to see them this season, how they keep this momentum going for both teams. Devin Serra: And for Georgia, speaking on them, a huge weekend. They earned a sweep over High Point. It was a very good Southeast Region team, four to three in both games. Maddie Greenwood, who we're gonna talk about a lot, was was massive in this series. Sage Lego, who is I know for me and Danny, one of our favorite players in all of college hockey south to watch. And the goaltending position is big. It feels like they have a real roster. Ava Yaley is an awesome defensive player. there's not enough good things I can say about Georgia. I feel like among teams that are really up and coming and that are gonna make splashes among this conference and the ACHA at large, Georgia is right there. They've got the resources. They play in a great area. they have the support. I know their men's teams are getting it, but they are as well. huge for them. And they start four and with wins over Tennessee, Clemson and the sweep of the Panthers. massive stuff over there. one last woman's series we're gonna talk about are game, I should say rather. UNC Wilmington, they took it to these North Carolina teams and their inaugural start as a CHS team. Two and nine to four win over NC State. It was a shutout over North Carolina. You know, Avery, we were talking a bit off air before the podcast. you had some positive things about UNC Wilmington just seeing a new program like this come in. how special is that for you from afar? Avery Gugliotta: That's awesome. Like honestly, just seeing more teams cropping up everywhere all over the South is great. and seeing how they're just like coming into the league and seeing them start off with those wins, like that's huge for them. And you know, for them to be able to carry that momentum through the rest of their season as they face off against some CHS teams that are more established, that's really good for them. And I'm just excited to see what they do this year and years going forward, I think it's hard for some women's teams to come in 'cause, you know, like we'd like UF last year's brand new and they had a killer run for their season. and I'm s excited to see how they do if they take all away and if they, end up at playoffs and everything. I'm just excited to see what their program is gonna look like this year. Devin Serra: Good stuff there and three stars. we mentioned on the the woman's side. Third star was Maddie Greenwood, Georgia, five goals and three assists and their wins over high points. Second star went to Jace Kenigsmark from USF three. Six goals, so two assists and eight points. I can't believe I'm gonna do this again, but I'm gonna say it. love to hear somebody else besides Grant Deets, for USF and a big series for them playing against Alabama. We Kind of highlighted that in the show last week that would be a big series. USF got some wins there. And Alex Moeller, Tampa two, huge weekend at fall faceoff. By far their best player. Eight goals, two assists, Danny Baum: Huge. Devin Serra: a highlight reel to go with it. man, talk about a win for the Tampa brand. You guys, whether it's the women's team, the two or three, you always have a star or somebody that stands out. So big congrats to all three Danny Baum: It's annoying, Devin. Devin Serra: stars of the week there. Danny Baum: let's be honest, it's annoying. Because we always get accused of Tampa bias. But it's like what I mean, what do you want Devin Serra: We do. Danny Baum: us to do? Like Avery Gugliotta: biased. I can't I be obviously I'm gonna be biased. I I can't say enough good things about Tampa, so I'm just gonna not say anything. Devin Serra: How can you be biased towards programs that win? That's my answer to that question. Danny Baum: Listen, I'm I'm team CHS, as you can see here, obviously. Anyways, I've a couple of notes on on those three stars, Devin. Alex Moeller, who's it's only what, a couple of weekends now? The leading scorer in Division Two across the country. How about it? Tampa bias. there's some more Tampa bias. And also Maddie Greenwood from Georgia. A true freshman. True freshman. a baby out there and she's dominating. I've looked at the The brand new College Hockey South app, which you should download. It's in app stores. so please go ahead and download that. But her point totals this this year are ridiculous. And she's just getting started. So some some cool stuff going on there this week with our three stars. Devin Serra: Yes, sir. And one final note it's even better when you're the first star and you become highlight of the week. Gavin Coker's been working really hard to to make those happen. So, love to see it there. And as far as what we talk about here, it's been, you know, games that have been new programs, we've mentioned the news, we've had a fun conversation about a lot of places and of course with our latest guest here, Gabby Donato. But it's a loaded week in CHS, guys. We got 10 games on Friday, Friday morning, Friday afternoon. A lot of these, of course, in the M3 side. And then the women's they're getting ready for Columbus Classic here in a little bit. So we're going to focus the ACDC teams first. Central Florida and Florida Southern taking on each other from the Polk Athletic Complex. Now it's called in Lakeland, Lakeland Ice Arena. Danny Baum: Mm. Devin Serra: Hopefully Gavin Coker will have a good call out there against one of the newest teams in College Hockey South. And then Rollins College takes on South Florida, one of the better ACDC teams there in South Florida. M3 Tampa versus M3 Miami. We'll see if the Hurricanes have more magic on their side. Guys to look out for. I feel like Evans Adakis has been a really good defenseman for them. Steady Eddy, Mr. Alien is stooling, always fun to watch. Kennesaw State takes on Vanderbilt as well at Forced Ice Center Bellevue. Lynn and Emory Riddle at Daytona Ice Arena. M2 Florida and M2 Tampa. We finally get one of our conference matchups for College Hockey South. Of course, only two M2 teams, but Clearwater Danny Baum: Mm-hmm. Devin Serra: Ice Arena, of course, the Mecca of hockey, every Googliato we all know, is gonna play host there, so should be fun to watch. before I rip through the rest of the schedule, do you have a moment or a memory from Clearwater Ice Arena that stands out? Because I've heard every story under the sun. Yes, the sprinkler story. Yes, the humidity, yes the power outages. But what comes to mind when you think clear water ice? Avery Gugliotta: When I think Clearwater Ice Arena, I think absolutely eating shit on the ice because of the divots that we have. I Devin Serra: Ha ha. Avery Gugliotta: even I'll even help with like the kids' practices sometimes and I'll just be like skating around not really paying attention and we'll just like absolutely eat it on that ice. It's you know, it's Florida ice. It's hard to keep it clear. I love Clearwater Ice Arena. We love them. They're our home rank, but God, I've had some falls there. Devin Serra: What I think nobody talks about with that rink is the state of the art luxury lounge they have there for concessions. That is by far the tightest space I've ever been in for a rank, talking to players and parents Avery Gugliotta: There's beer buckets though. They got the they have beer buckets though, so like it makes up for it. Devin Serra: It damn sure does make up for it, I will say. Avery Gugliotta: Danny's ears perked up on that one. Devin Serra: Big shout out to Mr. Krause and if you know you know about that one. But One of my favorite ranks, a lot of character. South Carolina takes on Alabama on the three side, and that's a big matchup, not just for brand wise, but perhaps to see where Alabama is and a measuring stick for South Carolina. McKendry versus middle Tennessee State. Let's see if the Blue Raiders can get back on track. They've had a rocky couple of first weeks here to start the season. M3 Florida takes on Central Florida and Florida Tech and ACDC Embry Riddle. Saturday, more of the same teams, except we on the women's side have USF and Tampa. September twenty sixth at Clearwater. Danny Baum: Mm-hmm. Avery Gugliotta: Home opener. Devin Serra: Let's go. Googs there. Make sure you say hi to our friend Lizzie Penn over there, friend of the pod. Avery Gugliotta: of course. Right at the bottom. Devin Serra: She she might feel a little hostility towards you, you know, might be coming for her job. I don't know. Could be could be a game to decide Avery Gugliotta: Never. Devin Serra: who's gonna be the co host going forward. Avery Gugliotta: Never. I can never replace Lizzie. Devin Serra: Amen of that. should be fun. M3, Kennesaw State versus Vanderbilt from Fordyce Center Bellevue. And of course, the games we mentioned prior finishing out their series. Sunday, a couple more women's games. Georgia Southern and Wesleyan College, two of the newer teams within the conference, one PM Eastern Danny Baum: Yeah. Devin Serra: time at the Macon Coliseum. Danny Baum: Wesleyan's had some cool media day shots, and their uniforms look pretty interesting too. A purple and yellow combo. Curious to see what that looks like. Devin Serra: they haven't just had a media day. They've had a PR rollout. They've had their jersey Danny Baum: Right. Devin Serra: with campus celebrities, their president, staff from the college, alumni, like they have done it the right way. And they released some photos of their new locker room. Super awesome. I think it's cool to see a school support their club program the right way and treat them with respect. That is certainly Danny Baum: Imagine. Devin Serra: Imagine, right? Like the bare minimum. but you know, it it's a thing, like not every program gets that. So they are certainly set up to s for success, and I really hope people are put on notice by them. fun to watch there for them program, which we just talked about UNC Wilmington. Love seeing the new programs. and finishing out their series, Embry Riddle takes on Lynn at Palm Beach Skate Zone on Sunday, as well as three South Carolina and Alabama. And Avery Googliada's Tampa Spartans with the series finale South Florida that weekend. So guys, we had a lot this episode. We got into just about everything under the sun. we beat it to a dead horse about Avery's national anthem. Now, last thing I'll give the bit on, and we'll never bring it up again, Avery. Can you tell me Danny Baum: Says who? Devin Serra: what? I mean, off camera we can, you know, share shoot the crap with it forever. I I think everybody wants to know, or at least I do, what was the post game like when you actually got into the game, how did it feel getting on the ice after singing that? Was it in your head while you were playing? Were like, my god, am I just gonna take this whatever energy out on the ice or did it stick in your mind for a while? Avery Gugliotta: I don't think I've ever been shaking that much in my life. I got back to my bench and I always yell because I'm just like loud. So I'll like yell like sparring on three. And my hand was like this while I was talking to my coach, I was like, Avery, you're fine, Rob. So it's like, my God. it was just a lot of nerves. And then also first round of playoffs. So but hey, got it done. Someone had to do it. Devin Serra: I commend you, we we give you a lot of crap, but you are s the best sport about it. I kinda caught you off guard. It's like you forgot that you were the biggest loser in the fantasy league. And then you were like, Wait, my god. Avery Gugliotta: forget. I just thought, maybe if I don't bring it up, they won't bring it up. And I was just like, I'm just gonna ride like the under the radar for now. And then I get there and Kyle's like, you need to come to speak with me. I was like, what did I do? And then he's like, Danny Baum: god. Avery Gugliotta: they're singing. I was like, my God. That was that was tough. Devin Serra: Ha ha. Danny Baum: 'Cause we didn't we didn't get that cleared with with Kyle until literally that day. He hadn't heard about Avery Gugliotta: Imagine my dismay getting off a bus for four hours from Tampa, woke up at like six in the morning and I hear, Hey, you're singing. I was like, What? Not prepared. Danny Baum: Listen, listen, if you decided to set your lineup once in the first three months of the of the season, this wouldn't have been a problem. Zoe would have been saying well Avery Gugliotta: I didn't know you had to do that. Danny Baum: And thus you you became Avery Gugliotta: That's why I'll never play busy football again. Busy hockey, sorry. I'll never play again. Devin Serra: Ha ha ha Danny Baum: Unreal. Avery Gugliotta: I wish I had money on that league. I would have rather dished out a thousand dollars than do that again. Danny Baum: No, we wouldn't have accepted it. We'd much rather have the video of you doing the national anthem. I can say that personally. Avery Gugliotta: my gosh. Devin Serra: you just had to be there. one of my favorite moments from playoffs for sure. And you gave a hell of an interview too that I think it was that day or the next. So you know, big big props to you and Avery, thanks so much for coming on College Hockey Mouth. We hope you have you back some more and certainly good luck with your team this weekend. be sure to be on the lookout for the Tampa Spartans this year as they are gonna be one of our flying high flags to make nationals, hopefully. one game at a time though. for now, we're gonna sign off for episode thirty-three here, the sit down with Gabby Donato for Avery, Danny Bone, my name is Devin Sarah. Thanks so much for listening. This has been College Hockey Mouth, a college hockey self podcast.