By Aileyahu Shanes
Follow on Twitter @a_shanes10
The Gators officially clinched the College Hockey South Playoffs with their win over the Florida State Seminoles in Jacksonville this past Sunday. Florida wanted to end out their regular season with a bang and they accomplished that with their win.
UF made it difficult for FSU right out of the gate. The Gators would score three goals in the opening frame, while the Noles were only able to get one. Defenseman Xavier Morris recorded his first career collegiate goal. The other two goals were scored by John Hunt and Harrison Haber.
The second period saw a more defensive performance from both teams. However, Florida was still able to find a goal in the period. Winger Matt Gibbons would record this one. Just like Morris, this would be Gibbons first career goal.
The Seminoles fought back in the third period, scoring three goals. However, that wasn’t enough to take down the Gators, as they were able to pick up to more goals to end the game at 6-4. Connor Nicholson would get the first one for the team in the period, while Haber would find his second of the game off an empty netter.
Winning the Battle of Jacksonville officially punched the Gators ticket to Huntsville, Alabama for the CHS Playoffs. The Playoffs will go from Friday March 4th until Sunday March 6th. The Gators currently hold the fifth playoff spot; however, depending on the results from the Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss games, the standings are likely to change. Dominating in this tournament will be important, as the top four teams will be invited to play in the Collegiate Hockey Federation National Championship tournament.