The University of Arkansas Razorback Hockey Club kicked off their 2024-2025 season in thrilling fashion, sweeping a two-game series against Division I University of Oklahoma in back-to-back overtime victories. This season marks a major milestone for the Razorbacks, who recently moved up from Division III (D3) to Division II (D2) in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Facing a D1-level team in their first games at the new level, the Razorbacks rose to the challenge, proving they are ready to compete at a higher level.

Game 1 Recap: Razorbacks Claim First Victory in Overtime (3-2)

The opening game on Friday night was a defensive battle, with both teams going scoreless in the first period but racking up penalties. Arkansas’ Alex Fendler (Freshman, Accounting major from St. Louis, MO) was penalized for hooking, while David Markovich (Junior, Accounting & Finance major from Mansfield, TX) received a 10-minute misconduct. Despite the physical play, neither team could break through.

The action picked up in the second period as Arkansas’ Raf Praysner (Junior, Marketing major from Allen, TX) opened the scoring at 11:05 with an unassisted goal. Shortly after, Brenden Coon (Junior, Communications major from Plano, TX) extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by David Markovich and Brian Romero (Senior, Biomedical Engineering major from Frisco, TX). Oklahoma fought back with a goal from Foddrill at 2:16, tightening the score heading into the third period.

In the third period, the Sooners tied the game at 2-2 with a goal from Pane at 3:22. Despite multiple penalties, including a five-minute major for spearing and a game misconduct for Oklahoma’s Belz, the game remained tied through regulation. In overtime, Connor Chapman (Junior, Business major from Atlanta, GA) scored the game-winning goal at 2:33, with assists from Ethan Rogers (Junior, Business major from Carrollton, TX) and Trevor Borlace (Senior, Marketing major from Neguanee, MI), giving Arkansas a 3-2 victory in their D2 debut.

Game 2 Recap: Arkansas Completes the Sweep with Another Overtime Win (6-5)

The second game of the series on Saturday proved just as intense, with the University of Oklahoma striking early. At 15:25 in the first period, Oklahoma’s Best scored, assisted by Mondu, followed by a goal from Foddrill at 11:17, assisted by Goldstein and Carlisle. Arkansas responded with a one-timer goal by Brenden Coon at 7:42, assisted by David Markovich and Raf Praysner. Arkansas’ Duenwald was called for slashing at 11:42, but Oklahoma couldn’t capitalize.

The second period saw an offensive surge from both teams. Arkansas tied the game at 11:14 with a goal from Frolik (Sophomore, Business major from Austin, TX), assisted by Lehman. Arkansas took the lead at 2:16 with a goal from David Markovich, assisted by Romero and Coon. Oklahoma countered with a goal by Carlisle. Penalties piled up, including roughing and tripping infractions from both teams, but Arkansas held onto a 3-3 lead entering the third period.

In the third period, Oklahoma’s Foddrill struck again with two goals, the first at 14:34 and another with just 39 seconds left in the game, both assisted by Carlisle. However, Arkansas was determined to push the game to overtime. Duenwald (Junior, Finance major from Flower Mound, TX) scored at 6:11, with an assist from Coon, and with just 10 seconds left in regulation, Connor Chapman came through again with the game-tying goal, assisted by Markovich.

In overtime, Arkansas controlled the pace, and at 2:42, Ethan Rogers netted the game-winning goal, assisted by Donald and Praysner, securing another thrilling 6-5 victory for the Razorbacks.

Both games of the Razorbacks’ season-opening series against the University of Oklahoma drew an incredible turnout, with the stands filled to capacity and standing room only behind the seating areas and along the boards at ice level. The electric atmosphere inside the Jones Center was palpable, as fans packed the arena to support their team. The enthusiasm of the Razorback faithful never waned, creating an unforgettable home-ice advantage. In the coming weeks, construction at the Jones Center will be completed, opening up more space around the boards to accommodate even more fans eager to witness the action up close.

Summary:

With two back-to-back overtime victories against a Division I opponent, the University of Arkansas Razorback Hockey Club has made a bold statement to open their inaugural season in ACHA Division II. Head Coach Keller Sims expressed his pride in the team’s performance: “We knew this transition would be a challenge, but the way our guys battled and came out on top shows we’re ready to compete at this level.”

The Razorbacks will continue their season with matchups against teams like the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State, eager to build on their strong start. All home games will take place at the Jones Center, with live streaming available on the Razorback Hockey Club’s YouTube channel.

All photos property of Rhett Hutchins. Photo galleries available at baumology.exposure.co