The South Carolina club hockey team defeated the Florida Gators 4-2 on Sept. 26 at Flight Adventure Park in Irmo, South Carolina, in the first of a two-game series.
South Carolina established control early in the first period, dictating play through puck possession in the neutral zone and limiting the Gators’ transition opportunities. Despite creating several high-quality chances, the Gamecocks were unable to capitalize on key power play opportunities.
Florida’s freshman goalie Zachary Shield looked relentless early on between the pipes, keeping the Gamecocks scoreless in the first period.
Florida capitalized on these missed opportunities when junior defenseman Noah Horwitz scored on a slap shot from the blue line, highlighting the Gators’ crisp puck movement and ability to generate offense from the point early on.
Florida carried that momentum into the second period, doubling their lead less than a minute in. Freshman forward Brian Pine found space in the slot and buried a quick shot past South Carolina senior goaltender Tyler Temoyan, putting the Gators ahead 2-0.
South Carolina responded by ramping up its pressure on defense, with senior defenseman Brendan Flaherty taking a two-minute minor for boarding and setting the tone for a momentum shift for the Gamecocks.
Shortly after, South Carolina’s offense came to life when senior forward John Riggins capitalized on sustained offensive zone pressure, cutting the deficit in half for the Gamecocks and ending the period 2-1.
Continuing this momentum shift, the Gamecocks came out hot in the third period with freshman forward Nico Tashjian tipping the puck past Shield just 14 seconds into the period. The Gamecocks struck again just 11 seconds later, as Flaherty fired a well-placed slap shot from the wing to give South Carolina its first lead of the night.
Temoyan prevented Florida’s offense from capitalizing on any breakaways late in the third period, allowing the Gamecocks to control the remainder of the game.
The final push for the Gamecocks was an empty net goal scored by junior forward Colin Reid with just three seconds left in regulation, securing the 4-2 win for South Carolina.
Key momentum shifts
The match was defined by momentum swings, with both teams enjoying stretches of dominance. Florida’s quick start forced South Carolina to adjust, but the Gamecocks’ depth and physicality ultimately wore down the Gators.
The Gamecock offense shifted going into the final period, with two goals in the first minute giving South Carolina the momentum it needed to keep the Gators from scoring.
The difference came in the final frame, where South Carolina’s quick-strike offense and Temoyan’s composure in goal proved decisive.
Temoyan holds strong
Temoyan anchored the Gamecocks' defensive efforts in the third period, keeping Florida off the board entirely. The veteran goaltender shut down Florida’s comeback attempts, making several key stops on odd man rushes and breakaways.
After allowing two unanswered goals before the Gamecocks got on the board, Temoyan worked on his efforts in goal, securing South Carolina’s lead in the third period.
Physical play
South Carolina’s physical play was highlighted by Flaherty’s hard checks and the team’s relentless defensive efforts. The Gamecock defense proved just as important as its offensive surge, wearing down Florida and setting the tone for the series.
What's next?
South Carolina took early control of the series and will look to continue its momentum in its second matchup against Florida on Sept. 28. The puck drop is scheduled for 10 a.m., and will be streamed live on YouTube with Student Gamecock Television.