The University of Arkansas Men’s Division II hockey team has been crowned champions of the first-ever ACHA Southeast Collegiate Frozen Showcase. In an action-packed weekend at the Ford Ice Center Bellevue, located in the Nashville area, the Razorbacks battled through a field of eight premier programs to secure the title with a 5–3 victory over Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon.

The ACHA Southeast Collegiate Frozen Showcase featured a competitive field including Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, Ole Miss, Texas, and Texas A&M. Following this landmark success, the Razorbacks return to Fayetteville as the inaugural champions.

The Razorbacks’ dominant run began on Friday with a 9–3 opening-round win over the University of Texas. Captain David Markovich led the offensive surge with a hat trick, supported by two goals from Ayden Frolik and additional scores from Ethan Rogers, Joe Menconi, Cole Helm, and Alex Fendler. 

Advancing to the semifinals on Saturday, Arkansas defeated rival Missouri 8–5 in a high-scoring affair to punch their ticket to the championship game. The offensive effort against Missouri was balanced, featuring two goals from Chris Colon, along with individual tallies from Alex Fendler, Ayden Frolik, Anthony Conti, Jack Lehman, Bryson Andregg, and Miles Watson.

The weekend culminated in a nail-biting final on Sunday, where Arkansas outlasted the Texas A&M Aggies with a 5–3 regulation victory to bring the inaugural showcase guitar trophy home to Fayetteville. In the championship decider, the Razorbacks’ scoring opened in the first period with goals from Adam Markovich and Ayden Frolik. Brenden Coon added a third goal in the second period, followed by a second goal from Ayden Frolik in the third. Ethan Rogers sealed the championship with an empty-net goal in the final minutes of the game. Tournament MVP 

Tournament MVP Bryson Andregg noted “It’s a great feeling to see all the hard work we’ve put in this season pay off on such a big stage. This was a true team effort from the first puck drop on Friday. Being named MVP is an honor, but seeing us lift that trophy as a team is what matters most.”

Team Captain David Markovich added “Winning the first-ever Frozen Showcase is an incredible honor for our team and the university. We knew every team here would bring their best, especially with the rivalry atmosphere at the Ford Ice Center. This championship shows exactly what Razorback hockey is capable of when we play our game.”

Reflecting on the achievement, Head Coach Keller Sims stated “This weekend was a testament to the growth of this program and the grit of these players. To come into Bellevue and compete at such a high level in the heart of SEC country was a challenge we were ready for. I couldn’t be prouder of the way this group stayed focused through three tough games to finish the job on Sunday.”

The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club went undefeated (3-0) and brought the first-ever SEC Frozen Showcase guitar trophy home to Arkansas!  #WoooPig #SEC #HockeyInTheSouth

About the University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club

The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club competes in ACHA Men’s Division 2 as part of the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association, facing teams such as Maryville University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Iowa. The Razorbacks play their home games at The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, where they enjoy strong community support. Fans can watch home games live on the team’s YouTube channel, providing an accessible way to follow the action throughout the season. Known for its relentless work ethic, skilled roster, and strong coaching staff, the team consistently competes at a high level against top programs across the country. With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice, the Razorbacks continue to build on their legacy as a premier collegiate hockey program.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Greg Coon
The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club
Email: greg@eyeconvideo.com
Cell (text): 214-207-5303
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/razorbackhockeyclub

Hosted at the Ford Ice Arena in Nashville from January 9–11, 2026, the tournament will bring together elite ACHA Division II programs for a high-stakes weekend of Southern collegiate hockey.

The Razorbacks will join fellow SEC programs—including Texas A&M, Georgia, Missouri, Auburn, Alabama, and Ole Miss—for a series of heavy-hitting matchups. The highlight of the opening round occurs on Friday, January 9, at 5:00 PM, when the #2 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks take on the #7 University of Texas Longhorns.

“This tournament is a major milestone for SEC hockey,” said Keller Sims, Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorback DII team. “Nashville is a world-class hockey city, and the level of competition this weekend will be intense. Opening against a top-10 opponent like Texas sets the tone immediately. Our guys have been working tirelessly to prepare for this stage, and we are ready to show the fans the speed and grit that define Arkansas hockey.”

A Family Legacy on the Ice

While the stakes are high for the team, the weekend carries profound personal significance for one of Arkansas’ defensive stalwarts, Adam Markovich. For the Markovich family, Nashville marks the end of an era. Adam, a standout defenseman, will take the ice alongside his older brother, David Markovich, the team’s current captain and a graduating senior.

“This is going to be a special weekend for my family,” said Adam Markovich. “This will be the last season my brother David and I get to play competitive hockey together. He’s been a great leader for this team as captain, but he’s been an even better brother and mentor to me throughout my career. Having our parents there in Nashville to watch us one last time on the same bench is something I’ll never forget. We want to go out there and win this for the seniors, especially for David.”

Event and Broadcast Information

The SEC Frozen Showcase will be a fully covered event, with FloHockey broadcasting all games live from Nashville. Following the round-robin style play on Friday and Saturday, the championship rounds on Sunday will determine who takes home the inaugural showcase title.

About Arkansas Razorback Hockey

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey club is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Now in its 18th season, the program has grown into a Southern powerhouse, featuring both DII and DIII teams and competing at the highest levels of collegiate club hockey.

With its 2025-26 roster featuring players from 20 different states and international locations. This year’s player pool highlights the team’s growing reputation as a national destination for collegiate hockey talent, with a particularly strong pipeline from the states of Texas and Missouri. The university’s generous in-state tuition for students from these states makes the University of Arkansas a particularly attractive option.

The combined D2 and D3 rosters boast an impressive 18 players from the Lone Star State and 14 from Missouri, making these two states the leading sources of Razorback hockey players. This significant presence underscores the depth of youth hockey talent in these regions and the program’s success in recruiting top-tier players.

“Our program’s success is built on a foundation of attracting talented players from all over, and it’s clear that Texas and Missouri have become key parts of our recruiting strategy,” said Director of Hockey Operations Keller Sims. “The skill level and passion for the game that these players bring is a testament to the growth of hockey in these regions. We’re proud to have such a diverse group of athletes representing the Razorbacks.”

The culture of the program is a huge draw for players, as the history and camaraderie of the team are a major reason players choose to attend the University of Arkansas. A huge reason many players join the team is because older players from their hometowns talk up the benefits of playing for a team like Arkansas, which creates a positive cycle of recruitment and team growth.

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Top Player Origins – 2025-26 Season

Texas: 18

Missouri: 14

Illinois: 8

Colorado: 4

Arizona: 4

Canada: 3

Massachusetts: 3

Michigan: 2

Wisconsin: 2

Other States: California, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington

This past weekend your DII Razorbacks hosted MACHA Rival University of Iowa at the Jones Center. Your DIII Razorbacks traveled to Shreveport, LA to take on MACHA division foe East Texas Baptist University. Both teams found the win column twice, as they swept their respective opponents on the weekend.

The DII Hogs got the action started on Friday night at the Jones Center. A close contest early, Arkansas continued to emphasize their physical style of play wearing down Iowa throughout the contest. The floodgates finally opened in the 3rd as the hogs poured on 5 goals to secure the 7-3 victory.

Sophomore Alex Fendler recorded a hat-trick in the game, his first back since missing the Mizzou series due to injury. Senior goaltender Grady Reis recorded his 2nd win of the season, allowing 3 goals on 27 shots. Sophomore Chris Colon chipped in 2 goals on his way to being named the hardest working player of the game by his teammates.

Saturday’s contest was another back and forth affair with the Hawkeyes and Hogs quickly answering each others goals in the first and second. Entering the final frame with a 4-3 lead, Arkansas continued to lean on Iowa, ultimately scoring 2 goals to put the game away, securing the 6-3 victory.

Sophomore Alex Fendler recorded another hat-trick in the game, leaving him with 6 goals and 2 assists on the weekend. Junior WHL newcomer Bryson Anderegg opened the scoring with a snipe from the point. Sophomore Aydin Frolik, leading score for last years Razorbacks, and Senior Captain David Markovich also added to the scoring. Transfer senior Mika Crevia recored his second win of the season

Head Coach Keller Sims had this to say following the sweep:

“I loved our effort this weekend. We got to an emphasis on winning battles and protecting the middle of the ice. Transitions were much better. Overall a great response from our group following a disappointing sweep last weekend.”

The team was also thrilled to welcome back Sophomore Alex Fendler. “He’s a difference maker. 6 goals, 8 points in 2 games. Just incredible to have him back in the lineup and to watch him contribute right away. Great weekend and proud of him” Coach Sims added when asked about the double hat-trick hero.

The DIII Hogs also made a statement this past weekend in Shreveport, sweeping ETBU in commanding fashion with back-to-back wins at George Ponds Ice Arena.

The opening game was all Razorbacks from the start. Just 36 seconds into the contest, former Tiger and now Razorback Will Sloan lit the lamp with a highlight-reel backhand into the top corner. It was only the beginning of a monster night for Sloan, who finished with six points (2G, 4A) against his former team. Arkansas poured it on early and often, outshooting ETBU 63–23 and cruising to a 9–2 victory.

The scoring came from all over the lineup, with seven different Razorbacks finding the back of the net. Senior Logan Shipley and Freshmen Liam Pouliot each notched their first collegiate goals, while Kameron Smith celebrated his first goal as a Razorback.

Between the pipes, freshman goaltender Logan Bruns made his first career start one to remember. Calm and confident, Bruns turned away 21 shots, finished with a .913 save percentage, and even stopped a penalty shot. His puck-handling drew comparisons to NHL legend Ron Hextall as he backstopped Arkansas to victory.

Head Coach Greg Betzold praised the team’s resilience despite a tough travel schedule:

“After a six-hour bus ride, arriving during an NAHL game, and not getting on the ice until 11 p.m. for warmups, I wasn’t sure what we’d get from our group. Well, going up 5–0 in the first answered my question. I was proud of the way we finished and won the third period. It’s a skill to close out teams when you’re already ahead.”

Sloan echoed his coach’s sentiment, adding:

“That’s why we worked so hard this week — so we could come out and perform like that.”

Game two proved more challenging as ETBU struck first, holding a 1–0 lead midway through the second. But the Razorbacks didn’t flinch. Senior Assistant Captain Thomas Verble tied the game with a thunderous one-timer.

“That’s what high-end, elite playmakers do — they make the big plays when they matter most,” Coach Betzold said.

That goal sparked Arkansas, who outshot the Tigers 67–17 and rolled to a 5–2 win. Goaltender Addison Phillips was steady in his second start this season, stopping 15 shots to secure his first victory. Sloan added another two goals, while Verble capped the weekend with four points (2G, 2A).

Through four games, Sloan and Verble sit atop the Razorbacks’ scoring chart with 13 points apiece and an impressive +11 rating. Arkansas’ special teams have also been a difference-maker, boasting a 33% power play and an 83% penalty kill.

Assistant Captain Darrell Smith summed up the weekend:

“This weekend was about more than two wins — it was about us finding our identity. When everyone buys in and plays for the guy next to them, you see what happens. We came together as a team, and that’s only going to grow.”

Looking ahead, the Razorbacks return home to face Dordt University on October 3rd (7:30 PM) and October 4th (3:15 PM) at The Jones Center in Springdale, AR.

Coach Betzold emphasized the importance of the matchup:

“We’ve had this series circled since the schedule came out. Dordt got the better of us to end last season, and now it’s our opportunity to respond. It’s going to be a great test of how far we’ve come — and we’re ready to put on a show for our fans.”

With momentum building, an energized roster, and the home crowd behind them, the DIII Razorbacks are poised to continue to make The Jones Center the toughest barn in the MACHA. Your Division II Razorbacks also look to continue to build momentum as they travel to College Station to faceoff with Texas A&M on October 3rd at 7:30 PM and 4th at 1:30 PM at Spirit Ice Arena.

Your Division II Razorbacks move to 2-2 in MACHA conference play. The Division III Razorbacks are now 2-0 in the MACHA South standings.

Arkansas shows resilience after tough Friday loss, bounces back with emphatic Saturday win

The University of Arkansas Division 3 Razorbacks opened their 2025–26 season with a weekend series in Jefferson City, Missouri, taking on the University of Missouri Tigers. It was a series that had a little bit of everything—early fireworks, hard lessons, and a big Saturday response that showed what this group is capable of.

Friday Night Heartbreak

The Razorbacks came out flying in Friday’s opener, storming to a 4–1 lead after the first period. But the second frame told a different story, as Missouri struck for four unanswered goals, flipping the score to 5–4 heading into the third.

Captain Zach Kilgore (#75) gave the Hogs life with a clutch goal to tie the game 5–5, but a Missouri 2-on-1 rush late in the third proved to be the difference. Despite heavy pressure in the closing minutes, the Razorbacks couldn’t find the equalizer and dropped a 6–5 decision.

“You don’t win the championship the first game of the season,” said Head Coach Greg Betzold. “But it’s disappointing. We were up 4–1 early, and we stopped playing in the second period. Missouri took advantage, and we couldn’t respond. It’s frustrating because we were the better team for most of the game—but if you stop moving your feet and doing the little things right, you will lose. We’ll use this as a learning experience for our young group, watch the video, and come back stronger. The real test is how we respond tomorrow.”

Saturday Redemption

Respond they did. Missouri struck first to take a 1–0 lead, but the Razorbacks quickly answered with three straight goals to carry a 3–1 advantage into the first intermission. This time, the Hogs didn’t let the lead slip away.

Arkansas poured it on in the second and third, scoring three more unanswered to build a commanding 7–1 lead. While the Tigers managed three late goals, the Razorbacks held firm and closed out a convincing 7–4 victory to earn the series split.

Weekend Standouts

It was a breakout weekend for the “Pink Line” trio of Thomas Verble (#43), Will Sloan (#16), and Jack Lubhan (#63):

• Thomas Verble (Senior Assistant Captain) finished the weekend with a team-leading six points (three goals, three assists), setting the tone as both a scorer and playmaker.
• Will Sloan added one goal and four assists across the two games.
• Jack Lubhan contributed two goals and two assists, finishing with a team-best +4 rating.

On the back end, newcomer Darrell “Smitty” Smith (#4) was a force. Beyond steady defensive play and two assists, Smith delivered one of the weekend’s most memorable moments—a full-ice, 10-foot-high saucer pass that dropped perfectly onto Lubhan’s tape in full stride, springing him for a breakaway goal. It was a true highlight-reel play from the hard-nosed defender and drew big cheers from the Razorback bench.

Captain Zach Kilgore chipped in with a strong all-around performance—one goal, two assists, and a +3 rating. Freshman forward Deacon Rose (just 18 years old) made an immediate impression, picking up one goal and two assists in his debut weekend.

In net, Elisha Caine (#32) earned the Saturday victory, stopping 28 shots with an 87.5% save percentage.

Building Momentum

Coach Betzold praised his group’s ability to bounce back:

“Losing after having a big lead can feel like a kick in the chops, but the boys responded and answered the bell. You can feel an exciting energy with this group. Big things lie ahead for us.”

Senior Assistant Captain Thomas Verble echoed the sentiment:

“This weekend was a great learning experience. It was a great opportunity to really gel with my line and teammates and learn what we’re capable of.”

The Razorbacks now turn their attention to next weekend’s road trip to Shreveport, Louisiana, where they’ll face East Texas Baptist University.

Following a landmark year that saw the Division II Razorbacks claim the MACHA Tournament Championship and advance to the ACHA Central Regionals, both squads are poised for another thrilling campaign filled with intense matchups and exciting home events at The Jones Center in Springdale.

Preparations for the highly anticipated season are already underway, with the DII Razorbacks set to open their home schedule with a two-game series against ETBU on 9/5 and 9/6.

D2 Razorbacks Ready for Challenging Home Slate

The D2 team, led by Head Coach Keller Sims, will open their home schedule with a two-game series against ETBU this Friday, September 5th at 7:30 PM, followed by a Saturday afternoon game on September 6th starting at 3:15 PM. Both games will take place at the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, and will be streamed live on the team’s YouTube channel.

“We’ve built a program that thrives on competition, and this schedule reflects that,” said DII Head Coach Keller Sims. “Our DII team will face some tough opponents both at home and on the road, which will prepare us for another deep postseason run. We’re especially excited to play in front of our incredible fans at The Jones Center.”

Fans can look forward to a demanding schedule that includes key home series against Iowa on September 19th and 20th, and a pair of matchups against Nebraska on October 10th and 11th. The D2 squad will also host Ole Miss on November 7th and 8th, with the Friday game serving as a Military Appreciation Night.

About the University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club

The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club competes in ACHA Men’s Division II and Division III as part of the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association, facing teams such as Texas A&M, the University of Missouri, and the University of Iowa. The Razorbacks play their home games at The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, where they enjoy strong community support. Fans can watch home games live on the team’s YouTube channel, providing an accessible way to follow the action throughout the season. Known for its relentless work ethic, skilled roster, and strong coaching staff, the team consistently competes at a high level against top programs across the country. With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice, the Razorbacks continue to build on their legacy as a premier collegiate hockey program.

The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-26 season schedule for both its Division 2 and Division 3 teams. Following a landmark year that saw the D2 Razorbacks claim the MACHA Tournament Championship and advance to the ACHA Central Regionals, both squads are poised for another thrilling campaign filled with intense matchups and exciting home events at The Jones Center in Springdale.

Preparations for the highly anticipated 2025-26 season are already underway for The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club. The preseason schedule includes tryouts on August 16th and 17th, followed by Training Camp from August 19th-21st. Fans will get their first glimpse of the 2025-26 roster at the Intrasquad Red vs. White Game on August 22nd at 7:30 PM at The Jones Center, a crucial final tune-up before the official home opener in September.

D2 Razorbacks Ready for Challenging Home Slate The D2 team, led by Head Coach Keller Sims, will open their home schedule with a two-game series against ETBU on Friday, September 5th (7:30 PM) and Saturday, September 6th (3:15 PM). Fans can look forward to a demanding schedule that includes key home series against Iowa on September 19th and 20th, and a pair of matchups against Nebraska on October 10th and 11th. The D2 squad will also host Ole Miss on November 7th and 8th, with the Friday game serving as a Military Appreciation Night.

“We’ve built a program that thrives on competition, and this schedule reflects that,” said D2 Head Coach Keller Sims. “Our D2 team will face some tough opponents both at home and on the road, which will prepare us for another deep postseason run. We’re especially excited to play in front of our incredible fans at The Jones Center.”

D3 Razorbacks Gear Up for Growth and Home Dominance The D3 team, under the guidance of Head Coach and Director of Player Development Greg Betzold, will also host a robust home schedule designed to challenge and develop its rising talent. The D3 home opener is set for Friday, October 3rd (7:30 PM) against Dordt, followed by a rematch on October 4th. Other significant home series include Dallas Baptist on October 24th and 25th, and a pair of games against Mizzou on November 21st and 22nd.

“Our D3 program continues to grow, and this schedule gives our players fantastic opportunities to compete and improve,” stated D3 Head Coach Greg Betzold. “We’re focused on building on last season’s successes and making The Jones Center a fortress for both our teams. We encourage everyone to come out and support these dedicated student-athletes.”

Notable Road Tests Beyond the home ice, both Razorback teams will embark on challenging road trips. The D2 team will face Mizzou on September 12th and 13th and travel to Illinois on October 17th and 18th. The SEC Showcase in January will provide valuable experience against top-tier competition. Postseason play, including the MACHA Playoffs and Regionals, is slated for February.

“The energy around the team right now is incredible,” said David Markovich, a veteran forward for the D2 team. “We’ve been putting in the work, and we’re ready to hit the ice and show everyone what Razorback Hockey is all about. We can’t wait to see the stands packed and feel that home ice advantage.”

Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a season of high-intensity hockey. Full schedule details, including specific times and locations for all games, can be found on the official team website. To subscribe to the game calendar on your phone, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/UArkHockeyGameCalendar

About the University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club

The University of Arkansas Ice Hockey Club competes in ACHA Men’s Division 2 and Division 3, both as part of the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association. The Razorbacks face teams such as Ole Miss, OSU, Mizzou, Texas A&M, the University of Illinois, and the University of Iowa. They play their home games at The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, where they enjoy strong community support. Fans can watch home games live on the team’s YouTube channel, providing an accessible way to follow the action throughout the season. Known for their relentless work ethic, skilled rosters, and strong coaching staff, both teams consistently compete at a high level against top programs across the country. With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice, the Razorbacks continue to build on their legacy as a premier collegiate hockey program.

Head Hog Keller Sims has been named coach of the year of MACHA Gold by his peers. Coach Sims led his Razorbacks to a winning record, a MACHA Conference Championship, and a Regional Tournament appearance in their first year of competition at ACHA Division II and in the MACHA Gold.
2024-25 was Coach Sims’ 8th with the program. In his 8 seasons, he has led the Hogs to 3 conference championships, 6 nationals appearance, 2 Frozen Fours, and a National Runner-up finish in 2021.

Recently, five players from the 2024-25 Division II squad were named to the 2025 MACHA Allstar team that will represent the conference in the ACHA Division II Allstar Challenge in Philadelphia in April. Your Razorback representatives will be:
Senior Goaltender- Sam Haynes
Senior Defensemen- Brian Romero
Junior Defensemen- Ethan Rogers
Junior Forward- Brenden Coon
Sophomore Forward- JD Duenwald
In addition to these five players, Head Coach Keller Sims was selected to lead the MACHA Allstars along with assistant coach Kevin Gregory from Maryville University and Mike Hernbrott of Illinois State University.

In their first season competing at the Division II level, your Ice Hogs qualified for the Central Regional Tournament and competed for a chance to qualify for the National Tournament. The Hogs entered the tournament with momentum as the team had gone undefeated in their contests during the spring semester and entered fresh off a dominating performance at the MACHA Tournament, handling Illinois, Iowa, and tournament favorite Maryville easily.

Their first match up saw them square off with #9 Michigan State. The hogs continued their dominance jumping out to an early lead in the first period and never looked back on their way to a 6-1 victory. Senior goaltender Grady Reis continued his stellar play keeping MSU out of the back of the net early, allowing the Hogs to gain momentum. Physical play and penalties dominated the storyline, and Arkansas’ special teams stayed scorching hot in this one to keep Arkansas squarely ahead throughout.

The second round match up saw Arkanas draw a tough opponent in #4 seeded St. Thomas. The veteran team was no stranger to the stage, playing in their 4th regional tournament in a row. Arkansas found itself in penalty trouble early, and never got their feet moving in the first period. They trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes. After another slow start in the 2nd, they began to find their momentum but again trailed at the end of the frame 5-2.

However, full of belief and perseverance, the Razorbacks would not quit. They controlled the pace of play and put St. Thomas on their heels in the 3rd period. They 3 times brought the game to within 1 goal, including 3 goals in the last 4 minutes of the game, and 2 with the goalie pulled in the final 2 minutes. The comeback would fall short with a St. Thomas empty net goal with less than a second to play and their season would end with an 8-6 defeat.

This marked the end of the Razorbacks season as they were eliminated from the tournament. Overall, this was a very successful season for the Hogs as they continued their winning trajectory from Division III by finishing with a winning record, winning their conference tournament, and qualifying for ACHA postseason play in their first season of competition at Division II.