In a stellar weekend of hockey action at the Jones Center, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Division 2 team decisively swept the Bradley University Braves, delivering back-to-back shutouts with scores of 8-0 on Friday and 5-0 on Saturday. After a challenging series the previous weekend, the Razorbacks bounced back, thrilling a packed home crowd with a powerful display of teamwork and defensive precision.

Game 1 Recap: Razorbacks Roll Over Braves 8-0

On Friday night, the Razorbacks set the tone early, with JD Duenwald scoring just over five minutes into the first period. Raf Praysner added another in the final seconds of the period with an assist from Trevor Borlace, giving Arkansas a 2-0 lead going into the second.

The Razorbacks found their stride in the second period, racking up four goals. Highlights included a shorthanded goal by David Markovich, assisted by Brenden Coon, and a well-executed goal from Connor Chapman, assisted by Ethan Rogers and Christopher Colon. Duenwald netted his second goal at 12:00, assisted again by Borlace, and Anthony Conti closed the period with a goal at 19:15.

In the third, Ayden Frolik scored just minutes in, assisted by Jack Lehman and Conti, and Borlace added the final goal on a power play at 14:25, assisted by Duenwald and Brian Romero. Arkansas goalie Sam Haynes stopped all 21 shots from Bradley for a perfect shutout.

Game 1 Penalties:

• Arkansas: Markovich (tripping, 1:30), Coon (roughing, 5:30), Smith (slashing, 8:37), Fendler (tripping, 16:59).
• Bradley: Bouchard (cross-checking, 5:07), Beckwith (roughing, 10:08), Bosley (roughing, 17:01).

Game 2 Recap: Razorbacks Continue Streak with 5-0 Win

On Saturday, the Razorbacks kept the energy high. Anthony Conti opened the scoring within two minutes, assisted by Cade Venuk and Frolik. Coon scored on a power play at 9:39, assisted by Duenwald and Lehman, and Michael Gakhutishvili tallied his first goal of the weekend shortly after, with an assist from Praysner.

The Razorbacks stayed strong into the second period, where Frolik scored at 7:37, assisted by Duenwald and Lehman. David Markovich capped the scoring at 12:19 in the third period, with assists from Coon and Fendler. Goalie Graden Reis stopped all 22 shots on goal to secure the second shutout of the series.

Game 2 Penalties:

• Arkansas: Praysner (delay of game, 10:03), Watson (interference, 15:25), Markovich (cross-checking, 17:58).
• Bradley: Felice (hooking, 8:40), Boerger (cross-checking, 10:29), Beckwith (interference, 6:38).

Coach and Player Quotes

Head Coach Keller Sims praised the team’s resilience and effort: “This weekend was a testament to our team’s dedication. We came out determined, and our players executed the game plan with precision and discipline.”

Forward Anthony Conti, who contributed goals in both games, added, “Our whole team brought the energy. It was fantastic to have the support of our fans, and it felt amazing to put together two solid games after last weekend.”

Game Highlights:

• Friday, October 25, 2024 – Final Score: University of Arkansas 8, Bradley University 0
  • Goals: Duenwald, Praysner (Borlace), Markovich (Coon), Chapman (Rogers, Colon), Duenwald (Borlace), Conti (Borlace), Frolik (Lehman, Conti), Borlace (Duenwald, Romero, PP)
  • Goalie Saves: Haynes (Arkansas) – 21 saves
• Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Final Score: University of Arkansas 5, Bradley University 0
  • Goals: Conti (Venuk, Frolik), Coon (Duenwald, Lehman, PP), Gakhutishvili (Praysner), Frolik (Duenwald, Lehman), Markovich (Coon, Fendler)
  • Goalie Saves: Reis (Arkansas) – 22 saves

With these two resounding wins, the Razorbacks aim to carry this momentum forward as they continue their season.