Program goes 4-0 on the weekend; looks forward to critical tests ahead

Stories
Photo credit: Edward Matthews

It was a great weekend for both the Division I and Division III Razorbacks as both teams earned sweeps.  The Division I Hogs hosted the #18 Frozen Tide from the University of Alabama this past weekend at the Jones Center. The Hogs came into the weekend looking to avenge a regulation and shootout losses to the Tide earlier this season.

On Friday the Hogs struck first thanks to a goal from the team’s leading scorer, Luc Gradisar.  In the second period, the Tide struck back to knot the game at 1-1. Seven minutes into the third, the Hogs took pulled ahead thanks to a goal from Cory Delisle. During the last minute of the game, Arkansas took an ill-timed penalty and the Tide pulled their goalie to give them a 6-on-4 advantage, but it was not enough and the Hogs held on to win.

Saturday’s contest was also close.  Fewer than four minutes into the first period, the Razorbacks struck first on a goal from senior captain James Haddock. Three minutes later, the Tide answered with a goal of their own but the Razorbacks would go on to score two more goals in the last three minutes of the first period. After the teams traded a pair of goals in the second period, the Hogs led the Tide 5-3 entering the third period. But three minutes into the third period, the Tide cut the Hogs lead to one.  The teams traded another goal apiece and Arkansas earned a 6-5 victory. The win marked the Division I team’s third win in a row and again kept Alabama from winning in Springdale.

For their part, the Division III Ice Hogs traveled to Sioux City, Iowa to tangle with Pacific Region foe Dordt College. After a scoreless first period in Friday’s contest, the Hogs struck in the second period on a goal from Trey Lowry.  Although Dordt would tie the game 1-1 eight minutes later, Arkansas then reeled off three unanswered goals to make it 4-1 halfway through the third period.  Dordt would score the final goal of the game as the Hogs went on to win 4-2.  Saturday’s affair was less competitive.  Although Dordt struck first, the Razorbacks would respond with a total of five unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 win and weekend sweep of the Blades.

This weekend, the Division I Razorbacks continue their home stand as they play host to WCHL conference rivals #14 University of Arizona and Arizona State.  On Thursday at 8:30 pm, the Hogs will host the Wildcats at the Jones Center looking to avenge two close losses earlier in the season in Arizona.  Arizona enters the weekend riding a four game win streak having just swept Utah.

Then, on Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 4:30 pm the Hogs play host to Arizona State.  The Razorbacks will be looking for their first ever win against the Devils.  All three games will be broadcast on YouTube courtesy of Drop the Gloves Radio.  Be on the lookout for a link to the games posted on the team’s Facebook page shortly before face-off.

The #3 Division III Hogs get back on the Road this weekend as they take on the #5 Jayhawks from Kansas. These teams have met three times this season with the Jayhawks winning two of the three games. The Hogs currently hold a 5-6 record all time against the Jay Hawks. They Jayhawks enter the weekend having won five out of their last six games while the Hogs are riding a four game win streak after sweeping their past two opponents. Puck drop is set for 7:40 PM Friday and 2:10 PM Saturday in Independence, MO.