Q: What league do you play in?
We play at the Division II and Division III level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (“ACHA”). The ACHA began as a men’s collegiate hockey league in 1991, and quickly grew to a league of over 150 teams in three men’s divisions. Since then, the ACHA has grown tremendously and now boasts five divisions with over 350 men’s and women’s teams from across the nation.
Within the ACHA, the team competes in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association (“MACHA”).
Q: When does the season start?
Generally, the teams’ season runs from September through early March. Tryouts and training camp take place in late August.
Q: How often do you practice?
Both teams practice two-three times weekly.Q:
How many games do you play?
We play roughly 26-30 regular-season games, with the possibility of 10 post-season games
Q: Do you recruit?
Yes. Our coaching staff actively recruits players from junior hockey leagues, AAA leagues, and AA leagues as well as attending competitive showcases throughout the season. We also recruit players who express their own interest via out Prospective Player Form. We encourage you to express your interest in the program when you begin your college search, ideally at the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year. Although the bulk of our on campus visits occur after the season, we also offer individualized visit days on a rolling basis during the season.
Q: Does Arkansas give scholarships for ice hockey?
No, although you can learn more about the University’s financial aid packages here.
Additionally, the New Arkansan (NRTA) is awarded to entering freshmen and transfer students from Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Entering freshmen must have a 3.2 or higher cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. Transfer students must have at least a 3.0 or higher overall cumulative college GPA and at least 24 transferable hours. Detailed information about NRTA can be found here.
Finally, prospective players are encouraged to consider whether they are eligible for an outside scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Q: What are my chances of making the team?
Our program has a solid mix of players who were recruited or approached at prospect camps, junior or club games, scouted via scouting services such as NCSA, or who have reached our directly to us via our prospective player form. Ultimately, the answer largely depends on your competitiveness as a prospect compared to others in your incoming class and our players from the previous season.
Q: Where did your players play before coming to Arkansas?
The Team’s roster is comprised of accomplished players from a variety of hockey backgrounds. For example, current and past rosters include players from junior ranks, including the NAHL, NA3HL, EHL, USPHL, MnJHL, SIJHL, and MJHL. Our roster also includes players who transferred from NCAA programs and many others who participated in their AAA or AA youth/travel programs.
Q: Does it cost money to play?
Yes, players must pay dues for each season. Our dues figure includes practice/game ice, refs, scorers, socks (game/practice), shell, gloves, player apparel, team bag (gear and personal), charter bus transportation, and hotels. Our substantial fan support helps to keep dues at a reasonable figure.
Q: Can I come see a game?
Yes, we encourage all interested players to advise the program of their interest to attend a home game. During a pre-arranged visit to watch a game, prospective players are invited to come down after the game and meet both the coaching staff and the team’s captains.
Q: Can I attend a practice?
Yes, you may come watch a practice. Ordinarily, this option is best for prospective players who apply and are admitted early decision.
