March 3, 2009: Gators Finish 4th at SCHC Tourney

The inaugural Southeastern Hockey Conference Championship was hosted by the Frozen Tide in Pelham, Alabama the weekend of Feb. 27-Mar. 1 hosting 8 of the 10 teams in the Southern conference. The Gators went in ranked 6 and looked to be the underdogs from start to finish. The Friday night primetime matchup saw the Alabama Frozen tide against the Florida Gators. Not falling behind once in the game, the Gators went on to upset Alabama 8-3 in what was, arguably, the biggest win of Florida's season. Saturday night, the Gators were put up to the test as they drew their second no. 1 seed opponent in the Tennessee Volunteers. In a game that see-sawed in momentum, the Gators found themselves up 7-6 with on 30 seconds left when the Volunteers capitalized on a power play goal to tie the game, only to go on to a win in overtime, snapping a Gator six game winning streak. Sunday morning, in a rematch of another lopsided game from earlier in the year, the Gators suffered a loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Florida quickly became the talk of the tournament as they upset one no. 1 seed and brought another to OT, and looks to carry this momentum into the 2009-2010 season with their eyes on Regionals.

February 9, 2009: Gators Climb Back to .500 with Wins over Clemson

The Gators (11-11) took the ice for the last time of the regular season this past weekend as the Clemson Tigers(10-10) rolled into town. The 12th ranked Tigers came into Jacksonville looking to snap their 4 game losing streak. Goals by Pavlinec, McGrath, and Cortolillo along with goalie Casey Ferris coming up strong in net earned the Gators a 6-3 win, and their first victory ever over Clemson. Saturday the Gators looked to bring their regular season record back to even, but it wouldn't be easy. The game was decided by offense as notable goals came from Justin John, Anthony Sconzo (2) and Kevin Olsen. Trailing 7-6 heading into the final period, Florida exploded on offense to win the game by a final of 12-8. With the regular season over the Gators look forward to the "The ACHA Division III, South Region, Schools of the Southeast Conference Hockey Tournament."



February 10, 2009: Schools of the Southeast Conference Hockey Tournament

The schools of the Southeast Conference are proud to announce their first ever championship tournament. Competing teams include Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida from the East as well as Alabama, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and LSU from the West. The tournament is the weekend of February 27th - March 1st in Pelham, AL at the Pelham Civic Complex. Check back soon for a complete listing of tournament game times and matchups.

January 26, 2009: Gators Deliver Two Worse Losses of Season to LSU

The nine hour trip across I-10 proved to be costly for the Tigers (6-9) last weekend as Florida (9-11) delivered their two highest scoring games of the season. The Gators came out strong on Friday night, scoring five goals in the first five minutes of the game. The team hardly let up for a minute as the Gators would go on to score 13 more times for a final score of 18-4, the largest victory to date for the boys from Florida. Notable games were played by Cam McGrath (with five goals) and Shane Fitzpatrick whose snipe from the blue line tallied him his first goal of his college career. Saturday would not prove much better for LSU. After starting the game strong the Gators put the first goal in at the 6:07 mark of the period and unleashed from their on out. Florida would go on to put in eight goals before the end of the first, allowing them to sit back and play some defense for the rest of the game. The game ended at a final score of 11-1, giving the Gators 29 total goals for the weekend. The Gators will be back in action to close out the regular season on February 6th at 7:30pm and February 7th at 4:30pm to take on the 7th ranked Clemson Tigers (10-6). Admission is free.

January 19, 2009: Georgia Too Much to Handle; Noles Can't Ward Off Late Comeback

In the 11th annual Savannah Memorial Health Hockey Classic, Florida went in as a large underdog to the heavily favored Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (18-1). The Gators (6-10) faced off against UGA (5-8) on Friday night in front of 4,325 spectators at the Savannah Civic Center looking to take the season sweep after beating the Dogs twice earlier in the season. The Gators fell down early and went into the third period with a 5-2 deficit. A late game surge resulted in three quick for the Gators to tie the game up only to have Georgia fire back with a powerplay goal with ten minutes remaining in the game. The Gators had no response as the Ice Dogs would go on to pick up an empty net goal and win 7-5. The next night the Gators faced off against last year's Health Classic champion Florida State Seminoles. The Noles started the scoring early, firing in the first goal a mere 20 seconds into the first period. Chris Pavlinec tied the game up at 13:03 of the first period to get the Gators on the board. Goals by Darren Grassey and Chris Moysey of the Noles would put FSU on top 3-1 heading into the third, making a win for the Gators seem unlikely. Florida's Chris Pavlinec had a different gameplan in mind, however, as he scored three goals in the final period and assisted on the goal of his brother, Jon Pavlinec, to put the Gators on top of the Noles for a final score of 5-3 in favor of the flagship university of the state. Congratulations to Jon Pavlinec for his efforts in the weekend tournament and his nomination to the all-tournament team. The Gators host LSU (6-5) in Jacksonville this weekend for the first time ever - game times are at 7:30pm Friday and 4:30pm Saturday.

January 12, 2008: Gators Lose Two Close Games to Riddle

Their first game back from winter break, the Gators traveled to Daytona to take on Embry Riddle. Florida carried on in their typical fashion giving up a lead early in the game, going down 3-1 heading into the 2nd period. The Gators attempted to rally back late in the third, however, the fantastic play of the Riddle goaltender ruined their hopes as Riddle went on to win 6-5. Saturday the Gators were on home ice in Jacksonville and looking to settle the score. The Eagles broke the shutout roughly 16 minutes into the first and headed into the intermission with a one goal lead. The scoring would pick up as both teams traded goals back and forth only to end with a 5-4 Riddle win to sweep the weekend. The Gators fall to 6-10 on the season with a big weekend on the horizon. Next games are against Georgia and FSU in the Memorial Health Hockey Classic in Savannah, GA. The season highlight for the Gators should bring some of the most exciting play of the year. Tickets are on sale at the Savannah Civic Center box-office.


December 8, 2008: Gators Split with FAU in Dramatic Fashion

In their last games of the fall semester, the Gators headed to South Florida to take on the Owls of Florida Atlantic. FAU went up early against the Gators, who were missing 5 players due to the SEC Championship, only to let up 4 late goals and send it into overtime. The 5 minute extra period went scoreless and the Gators took the 7-6 shootout victory as Chris Pavlinec was the only one to score. The story was much the same on Saturday night as the Owls took an early lead only to have to fend off a late Florida flury. The Gators were unable to come back two nights in a row as FAU went on to win 6-4. The next games for the Gators are January 9th and 10th against Embry Riddle. Happy Holidays to all of our fans and a gracious thank you for all those who support what we do, your contributions mean more than you know.

November 23, 2008: Gators Stomp Noles For Second Time This Season

The University of Florida hockey team improved to 5-7 this weekend with a huge win over FSU by a score of 6-1. The Gators were missing key players Matt Chais, Shane Fitzpatrick, Matt Stankowicz, and Nick Cortolillo due to various reasons but found a way to run up the tally against the Noles on Friday night. Jon Pavlinec led the way for the Gators netting a hat trick. Olsen continued his four game goal scoring streak while Anthony Sconzo and Steve Amatangelo put one in of their own. Casey Ferris came up big in net stopping all but one while aiding the short benched defense in what was a great all-around performance by the team. The Gators take this week off to celebrate Thanksgiving and come back on December 5th and 6th to take on 11th ranked FAU. Times and dates are subject to change due to the SEC Football Championship so make sure to check back often for updates. In the mean time - Happy Thanksgiving from everyone on Florida Hockey.

November 17, 2008: UF Continues Slow Play Against South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecocks came to town on Friday night to face off against the Gators at Jacksonville Ice. The Gators came out strong in the first period, up 3-1 after twenty minutes of play. The first 15 minutes of the second period would go scoreless until the teams were forced to have an early intermission due to Gator's player Shane Fitzpatrick crushing a Cocks forward through the plexiglass, causing it to be replaced. The Gators came back to the ice on the penalty kill, letting in three quick goals before the start of the third. Casey Ferris stepped into net for the Gators to relieve Andrew Barbour in the final period of regulation as South Carolina proved to be too much for the Gators to handle as sloppy play caused Florida to give up another 2 goals for a final score of 8 - 3 in favor of the Cocks. This weekend the Gators look to bounce back against in-state rival FSU. The game is at Jacksonville Ice and the puck drops at 7:30pm. Admission will be free. The house travel league for Jax Ice will be hosting a 50/50 raffle to support their upcoming trip to Lake Placid. The Gators ask that you please support their efforts to advance their team and the growth of Jacksonville youth hockey. Thank you.

November 11, 2008: Gators Split Games in Nashville Visit

On a long trip up to Nashville, the Gators started the weekend strong with a 7-3 win against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Back from injury, Matt Chais opened up the scoring a mere 16 seconds into the game. Chais would go on to score again as the Gators opened up a strong early lead against Vandy and never let go. Sunday morning offered a last minute scheduled game against Middle Tennessee State University. After letting up the first 4 goals of the game early, the Gators fought back hard knocking in 5 of the next 7 goals. The early flury by the Blue Raiders proved too strong as they held out for a 10-9 heartbreaking win over Florida. Notable in the Sunday game was Chris Pavlinec, who sniped out the MTSU goaltender in the 3rd period to make it a one goal game. The Gators (4-6), look to improve their record this Friday night against South Carolina in Jacksonville. Puck drops at 7:30pm.



November 2, 2008: UF takes UGA in Hockey, Football

The rivalry weekend began on Friday night as usual as the Gators hosted the Dawgs in Jacksonville in a Halloween night game. Georgia picked up the first goal of the game about halfway into the first period. The Gators would tie the game up and head into the third at a 1-1 score. Florida came out firing in the 3rd and quickly put two in to beat the Bulldogs 3-1 in another closely contested game. Jon Pavlinec picked up the first goal for the Gators with Justin John getting the game-winner and Tom Rutledge getting the insurance marker. Casey Ferris had another great game in net, keeping the Gators in a game that should have been lost in the first period. Next weekend the Gators head to Nashville to play Vanderbilt on Friday night and Middle Tennessee State on Sunday in their inaugural MTSU Hockey Youth and Family Day. Game times are 11:15pm and 9:00am, respectively. MTSU will be hosting a free clinic at 12 noon after the game on Sunday for all kids in attendance.

October 21, 2008: Dawgs Get Downed, Tide Rolls On

The Gators picked up their first win in 4 games on Friday night as they defeated UGA by a score of 5-3. With Fitzpatrick, Stankowicz, and Olsen all serving DQ's for fighting along with Chais out on injury the Gators were coming in with a short bench. The Dawgs put the initial tally on the board early in the first period only to have the Gators retaliate with the next three marks. UGA would go on to score their final goal while having 6 skaters on the ice in the final minutes of the game. The luck turned on Saturday night as the boys made their trip from Atlanta to Pelham to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Letting up another early goal in the first seconds of the game, the Gators were unable to stage a comeback against a strong, well prepared Alabama offense. Bama would go on to put in 7 more as the game closed out at a disappointing 8-2 final. The Gators will take this weekend off to take part in homecoming while preparing for another game against UGA on Halloween night @ 7:30pm in Jacksonville.

October 13, 2008: Gators Continue Slump in Games Against UT and Tech

After being handed losses last weekend by FGCU the Gators were looking for redemption in a Thursday night game against the Tennessee Volunteers. After a very close first period ending in a 4-3 Vols lead, UT stepped it up the next two periods to win the game by a final of 13-5. Both goalies, Ferris and Barbour, saw action in the game. The luck would not change on Friday night as the Gators squared off against a reloaded Georgia Tech team. The Yellow Jackets came out strong and never let up, despite multiple offensive fluries by the Gators. The 3rd period was peppered with grit as Fitzpatrick, Stankowicz, and Olsen all got DQ's for fighting. All three players will be suspended for the next game. The Gators go on the road next weekend to try to turn things around. Friday night the Gators will be in Duluth, GA to take on the Georgia Bulldogs then head west to Pelham, AL to try their luck against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Game times are 10:00pm and 8:30pm, respectively.

October 5, 2008: Gators Face Reality Check Against FGCU

Coming off a win in the season opener, the Gators headed south to Ft. Myers to take on Florida Gulf Coast University. A very strong Eagles team went on to outclass and outplay the Gators on both Friday and Saturday night, winning 15-3 and 15-0 respectively. The Eagles finished 2nd in the South last season and look to be a strong national contender again this year. The Gators look to rebound this Thursday night against a strong Tennessee Vols team to bring the team back to an even record. The puck drops at 9:00pm at Jacksonville Ice.

September 28, 2008: Gators route Noles in Season Opener

The Gators dominated the 'Noles in their first home game with fantastic defense and goaltending, in particular. The offense supplied four goals to put the game out of reach relatively early for the Gators. Tom Rutledge, Kevin Olsen, Matt Stankowicz, and Matt Chais scored in the game between the two rivals, and FSU had no answer all game long. Casey Ferris came up big, supplying his first shutout of the season to secure a 1-0 record for the Gators. Next game is Friday night at 8:30pm at Germain Arena in Ft. Myers against a typically strong Florida Gulf Coast team.

August 20, 2008: Mandatory Veteran Meeting

A reminder that all returning players must attend our first meeting of the season. The meeting is at 7pm on Sunday night at Falcon House. If for some reason you cannot attend than be sure to contact one of the officers. All officers and coaches are expected to arrive at 6pm. Thanks.


August 4, 2008: Pavlinec Invited to WUG Tryouts

Congratulations to Gator hockey player Jonathan Pavlinec. Pavs has been selected to tryout for the United States team at the Winter World University Games (WUG) in Michigan the weekend of August 15-17. He is one of only five players in the DIII to be invited to these tryouts. All of the best players in the ACHA will be there and we are very proud to have Pavs as part of our team. The WUG is going to be held in Harbin, China next February. Good luck to Pavs and all players trying out.

You can check out the roster of invited players on the ACHA website.


July 7, 2008: New Coaches named

UF Ice Hockey is very excited to name our new coaches. Joel Pagett is stepping in as the brand new Head Coach for the Gators. Joel played DI ACHA at Liberty University and is a recent transplant to Jacksonville from Virginia. The entire team is very excited about Joel coming to the team, bringing in a lot of hockey knowledge and organizational support. New assistant coaches include Dan Boutin, Grant Podsobinski, and returning is Pat Weaver. Dan is currently moving to Gainesville from Atlanta is very excited to be able to work with the team from the home of UF. Dan will be pivotal in off-ice practices and will be a great asset behind the bench. Recent UF hockey alum, Grant Podsobinski, will be assisting the defense in his coaching debut.

May 19, 2008: Welcome to the new ufhockey.org!

Welcome to the new home of the University of Florida Ice Hockey team! Come here for all of your news, scores, recaps, merchandise, and everything Gator hockey. Take a look around at the new site and please send any and all comments or suggestions to uficehockey@gmail.com. Info, merchandise and past schedules are already up and more will be updated very soon.

March 14, 2008: Gators Finish 07-08 Season

The Gators closed out the 2007 – 2008 season with a loss against FSU by a score of 7-4. Unfortunately, UF ended up on the wrong end of some penalty calls, which saw the game get out of reach. The Gators were down early on but battled back to make the score 4-3, but playing shorthanded for the entire third took its toll as the Seminoles power play went to work. Although the final game ended as a loss, the season was an overwhelming success for the hockey club as they attempt to move towards qualifying and becoming a contender at regionals. Due to the emergence of the Gators this season, they didn’t get the required votes to qualify in the top 10 of the South Region, finishing just outside at 12th place, out of the 30 plus teams.
However, the Gators defeated several top 10 teams this season, including Georgia, Alabama, and Georgia Tech, which all were represented at the postseason tournament. According to the general consensus, this season was supposed to be a re-building one for the team, as the 2006 – 2007 rookie class had several contributing players, but in gaining several more key players this past season as recruits, the Gators have more depth than they’ve had in years, and all four offensive lines are extremely solid. The defense was solid as well, despite losing anchor and former captain, Jon Ortner, last season due to graduation. Goaltender Casey Ferris provided a solid option in net for the entire season as well.
With the current team and added experience, the Gators will be aiming at the top 10 this season in the ACHA rankings, and with the addition of a couple new players, they easily could become one of the top clubs in the region. The Gators are on the upswing and look forward to continuing their progress into 2008-09.