The University of Arkansas Razorback Hockey Club’s DII team battled Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in an exciting two-game series over the weekend at the Jones Center, with both teams securing a win. The Razorbacks fell 4-3 in a hard-fought Game 1 on Friday night but bounced back to claim a 4-2 victory in Game 2 on Saturday afternoon, bringing their season record to 3-1.
Game 1 Recap: SIUE 4, Arkansas 3
The first game of the series saw a fast and furious start from SIUE, with the visitors netting two quick goals in the opening seven minutes. Elijah Defosset opened the scoring at 18:24 with an assist from Schreiber, followed by an unassisted goal from Harrop at 13:09 to put SIUE up 2-0. Arkansas responded at 8:27 when Frolik scored off a feed from Ethan Rodgers, narrowing the gap to 2-1. However, SIUE regained control late in the first, with Miller and Hinterser scoring within the final three minutes of the period, giving the visitors a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the intermission.
Penalties also played a part in the first period’s intensity. Arkansas’ Kilgore took a two-minute cross-checking penalty at 1:16, while SIUE’s Cook and Harrop were both penalized for interference and slashing, respectively.
The Razorbacks came out strong in the second period, tightening up their defense and slowing SIUE’s momentum. Brenden Coon scored for Arkansas at 19:00, assisted by Venuk, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Despite SIUE’s lack of scoring in the second period, penalties continued to be a factor. Arkansas’ Lehman and Coon received penalties, with Coon also assessed a 10-minute misconduct.
The third period saw Arkansas push to get back into the game, with Borlace scoring at 11:49 with assists from Frolik to make it 4-3. Arkansas had two power-play opportunities but managed to convert only once. Despite multiple chances, SIUE’s defense held strong, and the Razorbacks couldn’t find the equalizer, leading to a 4-3 defeat in Game 1.
Game 2 Recap: Arkansas 4, SIUE 2
Saturday’s game saw a determined Razorback team take the ice, looking to split the series. However, SIUE struck first, with Cook scoring at 19:11 of the first period, assisted by Parker and Maxfield. Arkansas faced penalty trouble throughout the first, with Conti, Markovich, and Fenoler each taking two-minute penalties. Despite these challenges, the Razorbacks’ defense held firm, preventing SIUE from capitalizing on their power plays.
Arkansas found their rhythm in the second period. At 15:15, Eibes scored the Razorbacks’ first goal, assisted by Chapman, tying the game 1-1. The Razorbacks continued to press but couldn’t break through again in the second. SIUE also failed to score, leaving the game poised for a thrilling third period.
In the final frame, Arkansas brought relentless pressure, throwing pucks at the net from all angles. At 16:34, Rodgers found the back of the net, giving Arkansas a 2-1 lead. Just a few minutes later, at 8:24, Frolik extended the Razorbacks’ advantage with a goal, assisted by Smith and Moisans, making it 3-1. SIUE, refusing to go quietly, responded with a goal by Cook at 6:23, assisted by Parker and Harrop, bringing the score to 3-2.
However, the Razorbacks sealed the game at 1:43, when Chapman scored the insurance goal, assisted by Eibes, giving Arkansas a 4-2 victory. Penalties in the third were minimal, with Markovich serving a two-minute tripping penalty for Arkansas, while SIUE’s Scribner took two penalties for holding and high-sticking.
Quotes:
Head Coach Keller Sims was proud of his team’s resilience: “We didn’t get the result we wanted in the first game, but I was impressed with how the team bounced back and fought hard in Game 2. Splitting the series shows the progress we’re making as a D2 team, and we’ll continue to build on that.”
Forward JD Duewald added, “It felt great to come back stronger on Saturday. Our team is growing every game, and we’re excited for what’s ahead this season.”
Upcoming Games:
The DII Razorbacks continue their season with a two-game road series against the University of Iowa on September 27 at 7:00 PM and September 28 at 1:00 PM in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Meanwhile, the University of Arkansas DIII team will kick off their season with a home stand against Dallas Baptist University at the Jones Center on September 20 at 7:30 PM and September 21 at 3:15 PM.
