Locked In: #11 Ice Hogs Chase National Bid at Central Regionals

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HAMMOND, IN – The University of Arkansas Men’s Division II Ice Hockey team has officially qualified for the 2026 ACHA Central Regional Tournament. Entering the postseason as the #11 seed, the Razorbacks are set to face the #6 seed, Maryville University, this Friday, February 20th, at 2:00 PM.

The tournament, hosted by Purdue University Northwest, features a high-stakes, single-elimination format. Sixteen teams from across the region will compete over two days in four “pods.” On Saturday, the final four matchups will determine which four teams punch their ticket to the ACHA National Championships in St. Louis next month.

“We aren’t just making the trip; we’re coming to make a statement,” said Coach Keller Sims. “Our mission for these two days is clear. We’ve put in the work all season in the MACHA to prepare for this moment, and we’re ready to show the Central Region what Razorback hockey is all about. We’re heading to Hammond ready to leave it all on the ice.”

The Hogs will open play at the Purdue University Northwest facilities in Hammond. While the Kube Sports Complex serves as the primary site, secondary games for Friday are scheduled at the Homewood Flossmoor Ice Arena.

“As a senior, you live for these ‘win or go home’ weekends,” said Senior Captain David Markovich. “The guys are locked in and hungry for more. Our eyes are firmly set on Nationals, and we plan to leave it all on the ice to ensure we’re headed to St. Louis in March.”

“The chemistry in this locker room is unlike anything I’ve experienced before,” added junior JD Duenwald. “The camaraderie we’ve built off the ice translates directly to how we play for each other on it. We’re a tight-knit group of brothers, and that bond is what’s going to carry us.”

Two victories this weekend would send the Razorbacks to the National Championships at the Centene Community Ice Center, scheduled for March 12–22, 2026, where they would compete against the top teams in the nation.

Tournament Details:

  • Matchup: #11 Arkansas vs. #6 Maryville
  • Date/Time: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM
  • Location: Hammond, Indiana
  • Venues: Kube Sports Complex (Saturday) & Homewood Flossmoor Ice Arena (Friday)
  • Format: 16-team single-elimination; winners of Saturday’s games advance to Nationals.
  • Watch: All tournament games will be streamed on FloHockey.com