The Razorback’s season came to a conclusion following an overtime loss to eventual National Champion, Hope College, in the National Semifinals. The game would see the Hogs jump out to a 2-0 lead early. The two teams traded momentum back and forth throughout the game, but Hope was eventually able to claw their way back and tie the game. Arkansas controlled the pace of the overtime and out-chanced The Dutchmen early. Unfortunately, the tightly contested affair came to an end midway through the first overtime frame when Hope netted the game winner on the power play.
Prior to the semifinals, Arkansas won their round robin pool on the backs of overtime victories over The University of Miami (Ohio) and Notre Dame. Arkansas began their National Tournament with a nail bitter against Miami (OH). In a physical and tightly attested affair, the hogs would claim the crucial extra point with a goal from senior defensemen Kevin LaPlante with just under a minute remaining.
Arkansas would stumble in the second game against The University of Nebraska. The Cornhuskers were back stopped by an incredible goaltending performance and they were able to withstand the Razorbacks assault despite being outshot 3 to 1.
In the final game of pool play the Razorbacks (1-1) found themselves tied late with Notre Dame (2-0), who would advance with a win or a tie. With just over a minute remaining in the overtime period, the Hogs pulled their goalie to add the extra attacker, and quickly afterwards junior Michael Ellis netted the game winner to send Arkansas through to the semi’s with the tie breaker over Notre Dame.
This National Tournament marked the fourth appearance in the past five seasons, and seventh overall in program history. After a National Runner Up finish in 2020-21, the Hogs advanced to the Frozen Four for the second year in a row. Despite falling short of their goal of winning their first national championship, the Razorbacks claimed plenty of hardware during the 2021-22 season.
In their first season of competition in their new conference (The MACHA), the Hogs would claim the MACHA South Division Title, the MACHA Regular Season Championship, and the MACHA Conference Tournament Championship. After years of strong competition and a tense on-ice rivalry, Missouri State and Arkansas put a name to their Rivalry, The Battle of the Ozarks. The Hogs would win the inaugural Battle of the Ozarks Trophy on the backs of an 2-1-1 record against Missouri State in the regular season. Arkansas also brought home the Route 66 Showcase Championship.
Arkansas will look to regroup over the offseason and look forward to another successful campaign in 2022-23. Stay tuned to our social media channels for all offseason updates!
The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association. The 2021-22 season will be the team’s fifteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule can be viewed here. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.
