The Razorback Hockey team is excited to announce that F/D-Paiute Morrison (6’0, 170 lb.) has committed to the University of Arkansas. The left-shooting versatile defenseman/forward is skilled on both ends of the ice. The Ashland, OR, native joins the Razorbacks after two years playing junior hockey with the Southern Oregon Spartans in the Western States Hockey League as a forward.
In 2011, Morrison moved to Colorado to attend college prep school and play hockey for Fountain Valley School of Colorado. Morrison excelled academically, served as the captain of the team from 2013-2015, and played as a starting, varsity defenseman. During his time at FVS, Morrison recorded 27 points in 38 games.
When Morrison signed with the Spartans, his FVS coach Mike Payne said, “Paiute’s work ethic, composure and ability to create his own space with the puck should allow him to make an immediate impact in this league.”
Morrison signed with the Spartans in 2015. During his first season (2015-2016), Morrison was named the “Rookie of the Year” after contributing 23 points in 51 games. Playing for the Spartans, Morrison contributed 41 points (13 goals & 28 assists) in 97 games.
Morrison cites his Spartans Coach, Dave Cole, as a big part of his decision to play for the Razorbacks, saying, “The first time I was introduced to the University of Arkansas, my current coach Dave Cole was so enthusiastic about my interest that he started making phone calls and arranging meetings for me to talk to Coach Gallini.”
Morrison is committed to academic excellence while pursuing his true passion: ice hockey. His love for hockey developed when Morrison was only eight years old and attended the local rink’s summer camp.
Said Morrison, “I’ve always held my academics in high standard while playing hockey. It’s important for me to feel good about my grades and how they might play into my future. When pressed with the decision of choosing a college, Arkansas offered me the best option to continue to play the sport I love, alongside attaining a higher level of academic success.” The Razorback Hockey program is excited to welcome Paiute Morrison to the program.
The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field two hockey teams. The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). The Division III team will in 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.
