Welcome to the first post in a new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week we sat down with incoming freshman forward Matt Robinson and asked him a few questions.  Matt is originally from Plano, Texas, and has accrued an accomplished and diverse playing career before arriving at Arkansas.  Among his other accomplishments, Matt’s 2010 Tier 2 Dallas Ice Jets team won the USA Hockey 18u National Championship and he earned two Texas State Championships with the 2009 16u Dallas Stars program and the 2011 18u Dallas Stars program.  He has since continued his playing career in juniors at the AJHL and NAHL levels.

Razorback Hockey (RH):  Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?

Matt:  I decided to attend the University of Arkansas because it will give me the opportunity to get the “big school” experience while also being able to play a good level of hockey, with players that have a common goal of winning a National Championship. After visiting and declining offers from a few NCAA Division III schools, I visited Fayetteville and instantly felt like a part of the team. Also after meeting Coach Gallini I felt like he has similar goals and aspirations for the team that I have. All around it just felt like a place I not only would enjoy playing hockey, but also enjoy the overall school atmosphere when hockey season wasn’t in session.

RH:  What inspired you to play hockey?

Matt:  I decided to play hockey from a young age because of the fast-paced, competitive nature of the game.  Watching the Dallas Stars win the Stanley Cup in 1999, and watching the players celebrate with such excitement, I knew it was the sport for me. The whole atmosphere on the ice was just something that I grew to love.

RH:  What is your biggest hockey highlight/memory to date?

Matt:  The best hockey memory for me would either be winning the 18u National Championship in 2010, or scoring my first junior hockey goal at the NAHL showcase in Blaine, MN.

RH: What is your most recent team?

Matt:  I just aged out of junior hockey as a Wichita Falls Wildcat in the NAHL.

RH:  What is your favorite part of the sport?

Matt:  My favorite part of the game would have to be the feeling of making a big play in a close back and forth type of game. Whether it’s scoring a goal or having a big hit that gets your team going, the adrenaline in those close games is something I can’t compare to anything else.

RH:  Describe what you think is the strongest part of your game.

Matt:  I think the strong point in my game is definitely my speed. I like to use my speed to beat defensemen wide, and also use my speed and size in combination to forecheck hard and create big hits. I also have always been able to score goals on a pretty regular basis.

RH:  Tell us about your family — your parents?  Your siblings?

Matt:  My parents (Kelly and Andrew Robinson) still reside in Plano, Texas, with my little brother, Ryan (age 11). My 24 year old brother Andrew lives in Dallas. My dad and brother both work in Sports Marketing, while my mom is a real estate agent. My little brother plays for the Dallas Stars AAA elite 2001 team, and will be entering 6th grade in the fall.

RH:  What are your academic interests?

Matt:  My current plan is to study business, more specifically marketing.

Be sure to check back next week and meet another member of our incoming class!