Arkansas Hockey Announces 2026-27 Rosters

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As the upcoming hockey season approaches, the program boasts two deep and talented squads across Division 2 and Division 3. Featuring a mix of NCAA Division III transfers, veteran leaders, Junior A/BSHL alumni, and a talented group of incoming freshmen, both teams enter the preseason with elevated expectations.

Division II Roster Outlook: Experience, Heavyweight Depth, and High-Level Experience

The Division 2 roster enters the campaign with a physically imposing, highly experienced group. With an average player height of 6’0.4” and weight of 183.9 lbs, D2 features 29 active players:

  • Goalies (3)
  • Defensemen (8)
  • Forwards (18)

1. Veteran Leadership & Class Distribution

Division 2 is driven by senior experience, boasting 17 upperclassmen:

  • 5th-Year (1): Brenden Coon (#14).
  • Seniors (6): Anthony Conti (#15), Ayden Frolik (#17), Michael Gakhutishvili (#19), James Duenwald (#21), Mika Crevier (#33), Jack Lehman (#37).
  • Juniors (10): Adam Markovich (#2), Austin Hirshouer (#6), Brayden McDonald (#18), Alex Fendler (#23), Miles Watson (#24), Nicholas Hussa (#27), Sabre Koleber (#67), Wilder Outman (#70), Nolan Christy (#81), Chris Colon (#84).

Complementing this veteran foundation are 12 underclassmen:

  • Sophomores (6): Zak Petterson (#1), Ryan Staehle (#20), Misha Saratovtsev (#30), Jack Baird (#48), Caden Day (#71), Joe Menconi (#89).
  • Freshmen (6): Coltin Wassengeso (#8), Micah Saxon (#9), Henry Kittner (#13), Caden Lee (#64), Garrett Plaude (#44), Liam Cardona (#86).

2. Physicality and Collegiate Transfer Influx

The Division 2 squad features impressive size and proven talent from NCAA Division III and top tier junior programs:

  • NCAA DIII Transfers (3): Defender Jack Baird (Beloit College), forward Nicholas Hussa (Anna Maria College, standing 6’3”, 205 lbs), and forward Nolan Christy (Beloit College, standing 6’4”, 205 lbs).
  • EHL & NAHL Veteran Pipeline:
    • EHL Alumni (4): Austin Hirshouer, Ayden Frolik, Jack Lehman (all from the Boston Jr. Rangers), and center Sabre Koleber (Philadelphia Little Flyers, standing 6’7”, 230 lbs).
    • NAHL Alumni (2): Alex Fendler (Springfield Jr. Blues) and Caden Lee (Aberdeen Wings).
  • Netminding Anchor: Senior goaltender Mika Crevier (#33) provides a formidable presence in net at 6’7” and 245 lbs, coming from East Texas Baptist University.

Division 3 Roster Outlook: Strong Sophomore Core, Texas Talent, and Junior Hockey Depth

The Division 3 roster features a dynamic, fast-paced group built around a large sophomore core and seasoned senior leadership. Across 30 active players, the D3 team averages 5’11.1” and 174.6 lbs:

  • Goalies (3)
  • Defensemen (9)
  • Forwards (18)

1. Roster Balanced by Senior Anchors and Sophomore Depth

The Division 3 squad relies heavily on an 11-player sophomore class while retaining key senior captains across defense and forward positions:

  • Seniors (7): Cade Venuk (#3), Darrell Smith (#4), Kameron Smith (#5), Aidan Morrow (#7), Will Sloan (#16), Sam Karraker (#36), Rob Wohlitz (#86).
  • Juniors (7): Mark Risser (#40), Austin Adams (#41), Brentley Hennessey (#42), Benjamin Ireland (#59), Jack Lubahn (#63), Landon Miller (#79), Luke Yeary (#90).
  • Sophomores (11 total): Top 5 examples include Cameron Burns (#10), Lachlan Hoogenboom (#11), Conor Heniff (#12), Zane Mazzola (#26), and Elisha Caine (#32). (Full list of 11 sophomores available upon request).
  • Freshmen (5): Jake Bamback (#22), Zachary Barlow (#25), Miles Lappin (#35), Devon Ward (#47), Jacob Brown (#72).

2. Geographic Footprint and Junior League Pedigree

  • Texas Homegrown Talent (18 total): Top 5 examples include Cade Venuk (Lewisville, TX), Kameron Smith (Mansfield, TX), Aidan Morrow (Grand Prairie, TX), Will Sloan (Commack/TX), and Lachlan Hoogenboom (Trophy Club, TX). (Full list of 18 Texas players available upon request).
  • Junior Hockey Proven Players (13 total): Top 5 examples include Darrell Smith (NA3HL), Cameron Burns (EHL), Conor Heniff (USPHL), Jake Bamback (NA3HL), and Zachary Barlow (NA3HL). (Full list of 13 Junior alumni available upon request).
    • NA3HL Alumni (7): Darrell Smith, Jake Bamback, Zachary Barlow, Zane Mazzola, Brentley Hennessey, Jacob Brown, Carter Kotrba.
    • EHL Alumni (3): Cameron Burns, Elisha Caine, Devon Ward.
    • USPHL Alumni (3): Conor Heniff, Liam Pouliot, Patrick Daley.

Key Takeaways & Program Comparison

  1. Size and College Experience Advantage (D2): Division 2 holds a physical advantage (6’0.4″ / 183.9 lbs avg vs D3’s 5’11.1″ / 174.6 lbs avg), reinforced by 3 NCAA Division III transfers and 17 upperclassmen.
  2. Developmental Depth and Continuity (D3): Division 3 boasts a powerful sophomore core of 11 players alongside 7 seniors, ensuring both immediate competitiveness and future program stability.
  3. Goaltending Depth: Both squads enter the preseason with strong returning goalies, providing complete coverage and experience across both levels.