Molly Linder March 18, 2022
On Thursday, March 17, the Ice Dawgs took off to Westchester, Pennsylvania to compete in the CHF National Tournament.
The Ice Dawgs enter the tournament with an overall record of 24-4-1 and 22-3-1 in SEC play.
Going into pool play, senior forward Nate Michaelson said that the team does not look at their record and compare it to others. He said that sometimes with comparing records, people can get somewhat of a false sense of hope, but he is confident in his team - especially with the work they have put in this season.
To open the tournament, the Ice Dawgs will compete in three pool play games. They will compete against The University of New Hampshire on March 18 at 4:15 p.m., University of Alabama on March 19 at 9 p.m. and they will finish pool play against the University of South Florida at 4:15 p.m. on March 20.
Georgia has yet to face UNH, but has faced off against Alabama and South Florida earlier in the season.
“[We] don’t really know much about them (, but we have to be ready for anything,” said senior forward Zach Bochenek. “We prepared really well this week and I think we are ready to go for this upcoming week.”
Senior forward Jacob Salaski said that UNH looked like a fast team, but he is confident that the team will be able to handle it, due to similar fast-paced matchups throughout the season.
The last time the Ice Dawgs faced Alabama was October 17 and 22 at the Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia and the Pelham Civic Complex. After the matchup, Georgia added two more wins to its record, beating Alabama 6-4 and 4-1.
Bochenek said that he is excited for the Alabama matchup because he feels that Alabama has been somewhat counting down the days until they can face Georgia again. He said that it is sure to be an interesting matchup and will be a good game.
“We feel that if we play our game, we have the ability to beat anyone,” Salaski said.
South Florida and Georgia faced off in Georgia’s third game of the season. The last time they faced each other was Sept. 17 at home. The Ice Dawgs won 3-1.
Michaelson said that, like all the games Georgia will compete in at the CHF tournament, the USF game will be a good game.
“I think it is going to be tough no matter what because it is going to be our third game in three days,” said senior forward Jackson Katz. “That is always tough, we just have to be the grittier team.”
