FAYETTEVILLE, AR — The University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey Club today announced its 2018-19 schedule for the team’s 12th season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association and third at Division I. The schedule features a fan-friendly home slate of 17 weekend games at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.
The Razorbacks are looking forward to this year’s campaign and look to improve on last seasons’ third Western Collegiate Hockey League campaign. This year, the schedule features a 36 game regular season starting in late September.
SEPTEMBER – OPENING ON THE ROAD
The season begins much later this year. Whereas last year game play began early in September — on the road on September 8 — the team will have comparatively more time to prepare than any other prior season.
But like last season, the Razorbacks will open up on the road. The first puck drop of the season will be in Edmond, OK, as the Hogs face off against Central Oklahoma on September 27. Then, the Hogs will make the short drive to take on Oklahoma on September 28 & 29. Last season, the team dropped all three games to league-rival UCO and lost the series to Oklahoma by a two games to one margin.
OCTOBER – A BRIEF STOP AT HOME
After opening on the road, the Razorbacks will return home to the Jones Center on Thursday, October 4, to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Their traveling partner, Arizona, will take the ice at the Jones Center on October 5 & 6.
After their meetings with the Sun Devils and the Wildcats, the Razorbacks will make a historic first by traveling to Philadelphia for a four-game swing. The trip east will feature games against all first-time opponents: Temple, Villanova, Drexel, and West Chester.
To wrap up the month of October, the Hogs will stop in Pelham, AL, to renew acquaintances with rival Alabama. That series will mark the continuation of a rivalry that began back in 2007 when Arkansas first fielded a team. The Arkansas-Alabama rivalry is the program’s oldest and the Hogs currently lead the Division I phase of the rivalry with a 5-1-1 overall record.
NOVEMBER – A RETURN HOME
In November, the Razorbacks have a mix of travel and home contests. First up are a trio of WCHL rivalry games against Colorado State and Colorado on November 1-3. Although Arkansas swept CSU on home ice last season, it is still hunting for its first win against the Buffalo on home ice.
Arkansas then heads west to Arizona to face league opponents Arizona and Arizona State. The three game swing will mark the third time Arkansas has ventured into Arizona.
The highlight of November will likely be the two-game series against on Missouri State beginning on November 30. The Razorbacks notched an overtime win over the Ice Bears in game one of last year’s end of semester series. The Ice Bears notched game two of that series in a shootout affair that saw multiple lead changes. Historically, the Missouri State series are hard-fought games energized by a large (and passionate) home crowd. Missouri State earned a trip to Nationals last season — a program-best — so the Hogs expect another exhilarating match-up in November.
JANUARY – BACK TO WORK
After a brief holiday break, the Razorbacks will get back on the road to face Colorado State and University of Colorado–this time in their territory. Then, January 25 & 26 will feature home games against arch-rival Alabama. Two years ago, Arkansas defeated Alabama on home ice in an overtime shootout and then, last season, the Razorbacks swept the Frozen Tide in a pair of close contests.
FEBRUARY – THE FINAL PUSH FOR NATIONALS
February will be an exciting month for the Hogs, as they fight to qualify for the National Tournament for the first time. First, they play host to league-rivals UCO and Oklahoma. Next up will be a return visit from McKendree University’s Division II squad. To close the month, Arkansas then travels the short ride to Springfield, MO, to take on Missouri State in a pair of games that no doubt will have considerable rankings implications.
MARCH – NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The season closes on March 1 & 2 against Lindenwood before the ranking period ends. Should the Razorbacks qualify for the National Tournament, hosted by the NHL’s Dallas Stars, they will make the short trip to Dallas, TX, from March 21-25. The Hogs look to make their first ever tournament appearance this year.
Single game tickets for the 2018-19 regular season can be purchased on game day at the Jones Center. Season passes will also be available. Information about season passes will be released in August. Please visit arhockey.westernchl.com for further information about the team.
