FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, YOUR TENNESSEE ICE VOLS ARE THE SAVANNAH HOCKEY CLASSIC CHAMPIONS
The Tennessee Ice Vols have written their names in the history books, clinching their first-ever Savannah Hockey Classic championship. The storied event, often referred to as the “Rivalry on Ice,” features fierce competition between regional powerhouses in college hockey. This year, however, it was the Ice Vols who emerged victorious, marking a milestone for the program and electrifying their passionate fan base.
The Savannah Hockey Classic, held annually in Savannah, Georgia, is a showcase of collegiate hockey excellence. This tournament brings together schools from across the South, where hockey may not always dominate headlines but thrives with dedicated athletes and loyal supporters. For Tennessee, the path to victory was not only about talent but also grit, determination, and a commitment to putting the program on the map.
From the opening puck drop, the Ice Vols made their intentions clear—they were in Savannah to win. The tournament’s structure requires teams to navigate a round-robin format, followed by a climactic championship matchup. Tennessee began their campaign with an emphatic victory over their long-time rival, the Georgia Ice Dogs. The win was a statement, fueled by sharp passing, suffocating defense, and stellar goaltending from junior netminder Ethan Carter.
In their second matchup, the Ice Vols faced the Florida State Seminoles. In what proved to be a thrilling back-and-forth contest, senior captain Ryan Matthews showcased his leadership by scoring two goals, including the game-winner in overtime. The victory solidified Tennessee’s spot in the championship game and bolstered their confidence heading into the final.
Championship to Remember
The Ice Vols faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the championship game—a showdown that did not disappoint. From the opening faceoff, the intensity on the ice was palpable, with both teams delivering bone-crunching hits and end-to-end action.
Tennessee struck first, as freshman sensation Liam O’Connor buried a wrist shot in the top corner during a power play in the opening period. The Ice Vols’ defense, led by sophomore standout Connor Williams, held strong throughout the second period, fending off relentless pressure from South Carolina’s forwards.
The Gamecocks managed to equalize midway through the third period, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With just over three minutes left in regulation, Matthews once again stepped up for his team. Receiving a precise pass from O’Connor, he deked past a defender and roofed the puck past the South Carolina goalie to give Tennessee a 2-1 lead. The Ice Vols withstood a furious final push from the Gamecocks, with Carter making a game-saving stop in the dying seconds to secure the victory.
This championship represents more than just a trophy for the Ice Vols—it’s a testament to the growth of hockey in Tennessee. For years, the team has worked tirelessly to build a competitive program, often facing challenges such as limited resources and tough competition. However, through perseverance and a shared belief in their potential, the Ice Vols have reached new heights.
“This is a dream come true,” said Matthews after the game. “To bring the Savannah Hockey Classic title back to Knoxville is something we’ve talked about for years. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and it’s incredible to see it all pay off.”
Head coach Mark Stephens echoed those sentiments, praising his team for their resilience. “This group has battled through so much adversity, and they’ve shown what it means to represent Tennessee hockey. This championship is for them, for our fans, and for everyone who’s believed in us.”
The future looks bright for the Ice Vols. With a mix of experienced leaders like Matthews and Carter and promising young talent like O’Connor, Tennessee is poised to continue their upward trajectory. This championship will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for recruiting and energizing the hockey community in Knoxville.
As the Ice Vols return home as Savannah Hockey Classic champions, their achievement is a reminder that hockey has a place in the heart of the South. For the first time ever, Tennessee hockey is the talk of the town—and they’re just getting started.