Ep. 12: Could UGA Become Georgia’s First NCAA Hockey Program? | Interview with Head Coach
Episode notes
UGA Hockey is entering a new era. In Episode 12 of Peach State Puck, Matteen Rad sits down with UGA Ice Dawgs head coach John Camp to discuss the growth of hockey at the University of Georgia, the move to Akins Ford Arena, recruiting higher-level talent, and what lies ahead for the 2026-27 season.
Camp also shares the unlikely story of how he became a UGA hockey coach, the growth of Georgia hockey, the history and culture behind the Ice Dawgs, and his ultimate dream of someday seeing UGA become a Power Five NCAA hockey program.
From portable ice and the Classic Center ballroom to a major arena in downtown Athens, just how big can UGA Hockey become?
00:00 - Welcome to Peach State Puck
04:04 - NHL to Atlanta Update
05:43 - Meet UGA Head Coach John Camp
10:16 - The Growth of Hockey in Georgia
15:13 - Building More Than Hockey Players
20:56 - UGA Hockey’s History and Community
26:27 - A New Era at Akins Ford Arena
35:27 - The Future of UGA Hockey