SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Arkansas Hockey’s ACHA Division II team closed out September with plenty of momentum, responding to a difficult opening weekend by rattling off four consecutive victories to finish the first month of the 2026-27 season with a 4-2-0 record.

The Razorbacks opened the season with a pair of losses against Oklahoma State before bouncing back with consecutive sweeps of Georgia and Iowa. Arkansas finished September with 28 goals scored and 21 allowed, including 23 goals over its final four games.

Oklahoma State Spoils Opening Weekend

Arkansas opened the 2026-27 campaign Sept. 10 with a trip to Tulsa to face Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys handed the Razorbacks their first loss of the season with a 6-3 victory, sending Arkansas back to Springdale looking for a response in the second half of the series.

Oklahoma State maintained the upper hand the following night at The Jones Center.

The Cowboys scored twice in the opening period and added two more in the second to build a 4-2 advantage through 40 minutes. Oklahoma State added another goal in the third while holding Arkansas scoreless in the final period to secure a 5-2 victory and complete the sweep.

The results left Arkansas at 0-2 to begin the season and presented the Razorbacks with their first test of adversity almost immediately.

They responded in convincing fashion.

Razorbacks Break Through Against Georgia

Arkansas returned to The Jones Center the following week for a two-game series against Georgia on Sept. 17-18.

The Razorbacks took control of Thursday’s opener early and never looked back.

Arkansas held a 1-0 advantage after the first period before exploding for four goals in the second, opening a commanding 5-0 lead. The Razorbacks added two more in the third to secure a 7-2 victory and their first win of the season.

The offensive outburst carried into the following night.

Arkansas and Georgia finished the opening period tied at one, but the Razorbacks took control from there. Arkansas scored twice in the second period and once more in the third while shutting Georgia out over the final 40 minutes.

The result was a 4-1 victory and Arkansas’ first series sweep of the season.

After surrendering 11 goals during the opening weekend, the Razorbacks allowed just three against Georgia while producing 11 of their own.

Arkansas Takes Momentum on the Road

With its record back at .500, Arkansas traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to close September with a two-game road series against the University of Iowa.

Friday night’s opener featured one of Arkansas’ most complete performances of the month.

The Razorbacks struck three times in the opening period to build an immediate advantage. Arkansas added another goal in the second and one more in the third while limiting Iowa to a single goal in a convincing 5-1 victory.

Saturday’s series finale provided a much different challenge.

Instead of another defensive battle, Arkansas and Iowa traded offense throughout a high-scoring contest. The Razorbacks ultimately came away with a 7-6 victory, completing the road sweep and extending their winning streak to four games.

Arkansas left Cedar Rapids having scored 12 goals over the weekend and with a 4-2 record after opening the season with consecutive losses.

September Results

Sept. 10 — Oklahoma State 6, Arkansas 3
Sept. 11 — Oklahoma State 5, Arkansas 2
Sept. 17 — Arkansas 7, Georgia 2
Sept. 18 — Arkansas 4, Georgia 1
Sept. 25 — Arkansas 5, Iowa 1
Sept. 26 — Arkansas 7, Iowa 6

September by the Numbers

Record: 4-2-0
Goals For: 28
Goals Against: 21
Goal Differential: +7
Current Winning Streak: 4 games
Goals Per Game: 4.67
Goals Allowed Per Game: 3.50

Strong Response Defines Opening Month

Arkansas’ September can be divided into two distinctly different stretches.

The Razorbacks opened the season with consecutive losses and were outscored 11-5 by Oklahoma State. Rather than allowing the difficult opening weekend to linger, Arkansas responded by winning every remaining game on its September schedule.

Over its four-game winning streak, Arkansas outscored Georgia and Iowa 23-10.

The Razorbacks also demonstrated an ability to win in different ways. Arkansas controlled Georgia 7-2 with a five-goal advantage through two periods, held both Georgia and Iowa to just one goal in separate victories, and then proved capable of surviving a shootout in the 7-6 win at Iowa.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from September was the response to adversity.

An 0-2 start quickly became a 4-2 record. Back-to-back losses were followed by back-to-back series sweeps. And a team that surrendered 11 goals during its opening weekend allowed only four total over its next three games.

By the time September came to a close, the Razorbacks had transformed a difficult start into a four-game winning streak and established momentum heading into October.

With six games in the books and the opening month behind them, Arkansas now turns its attention to the next stretch of the 2026-27 campaign looking to build on the resilience and consistency that defined its four-game September turnaround.

Razorbacks Finish September 3-2-1 After Strong Start to 2026-27 Season

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Arkansas Hockey opened the 2026-27 season with a strong September, earning points in each of its first four games before a difficult home series against Drury closed out the month.

The Razorbacks finished September with a 3-2-1 record, scoring 22 goals while allowing 23 across six games. Arkansas began the season with four consecutive games without a regulation loss, including a road sweep of Middle Tennessee State and a successful weekend at Nebraska Omaha.

Razorbacks Open Season with Sweep of MTSU

Arkansas began its season Sept. 4-5 with a road trip to Antioch, Tennessee, for a two-game series against Middle Tennessee State University.

The Razorbacks opened the year with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Blue Raiders.

MTSU struck first in the opening period, but Arkansas forward Jake Bamback quickly answered before adding a power-play goal in the second period to give the Razorbacks the lead. After MTSU tied the game at two, Arkansas defenseman Darrel Smith scored from the blue line in the third period to put the Razorbacks back in front for good.

Arkansas returned the following night and earned another one-goal victory, defeating MTSU 4-3 to complete the sweep.

The Razorbacks built an early advantage behind goals from Luke Yeary, Will Sloan and Liam Pouliot. MTSU mounted a third-period comeback, but Sloan’s second goal of the night provided the eventual game-winner and helped Arkansas escape Tennessee with a perfect 2-0 start.

The opening series demonstrated Arkansas’ ability to win close games, with both contests decided by a single goal.

Arkansas Remains Unbeaten in Omaha

The Razorbacks remained on the road the following weekend, traveling to Omaha for a two-game series against the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Arkansas and UNO battled to a 4-4 tie on Sept. 11, marking the first time the Razorbacks failed to earn a victory but keeping their unbeaten start intact.

Arkansas responded the following day with another strong defensive performance, defeating UNO 2-1.

The victory improved Arkansas to 3-0-1 through its first four games and completed an impressive opening stretch in which all four contests were played away from home.

Through those first four games, the Razorbacks had scored 13 goals while allowing just 10.

Drury Hands Arkansas First Losses of the Season

After opening the season with four games on the road, Arkansas returned to Springdale for its first home series of the year, hosting Drury University on Sept. 25-26.

The weekend proved to be Arkansas’ toughest test of September.

Friday night’s opener developed into a high-scoring battle. Arkansas scored five times but suffered its first defeat of the season as Drury escaped with a 6-5 overtime victory.

The two teams returned to the ice Saturday, but the Panthers again found success offensively. Drury scored seven times and completed the weekend sweep with a 7-4 victory over Arkansas.

The two losses brought an end to Arkansas’ unbeaten start and represented a sharp contrast to the Razorbacks’ first four games. After allowing only 10 goals through their opening four contests, Arkansas surrendered 13 over the two games against Drury.

Still, the Razorbacks generated plenty of offense of their own, scoring nine goals during the weekend.

September Results

Sept. 4 — Arkansas 3, MTSU 2
Sept. 5 — Arkansas 4, MTSU 3
Sept. 11 — Arkansas 4, UNO 4
Sept. 12 — Arkansas 2, UNO 1
Sept. 25 — Drury 6, Arkansas 5 (OT)
Sept. 26 — Drury 7, Arkansas 4

September by the Numbers

Record: 3-2-1
Goals For: 22
Goals Against: 23
Goal Differential: -1
Road Record: 3-0-1
Home Record: 0-2-0

Razorbacks Turn Their Attention to October

September provided Arkansas with both an encouraging start and an early test of adversity.

The Razorbacks demonstrated an ability to win tight games during their opening road trips, taking three one-goal victories and earning a tie through their first four contests. The Drury series exposed areas for improvement, particularly defensively, but Arkansas still exits the opening month with points from four of six games.

With six games now in the books, the Razorbacks turn their attention to October looking to build on the successful stretches that produced their 3-0-1 start while responding to the lessons of their first two defeats.

The opening month showed a Razorback team capable of competing in close games, producing offense and finding success away from home. October will provide the next opportunity for Arkansas to turn those early-season positives into consistency as the 2026-27 campaign continues.

As the upcoming hockey season approaches, the program boasts two deep and talented squads across Division 2 and Division 3. Featuring a mix of NCAA Division III transfers, veteran leaders, Junior A/BSHL alumni, and a talented group of incoming freshmen, both teams enter the preseason with elevated expectations.

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Division II Roster Outlook: Experience, Heavyweight Depth, and High-Level Experience

The Division 2 roster enters the campaign with a physically imposing, highly experienced group. With an average player height of 6’0.4” and weight of 183.9 lbs, D2 features 29 active players:

• Goalies (3)
• Defensemen (8)
• Forwards (18)

1. Veteran Leadership & Class Distribution

Division 2 is driven by senior experience, boasting 17 upperclassmen:

• 5th-Year (1): Brenden Coon (#14).
• Seniors (6): Anthony Conti (#15), Ayden Frolik (#17), Michael Gakhutishvili (#19), James Duenwald (#21), Mika Crevier (#33), Jack Lehman (#37).
• Juniors (10): Adam Markovich (#2), Austin Hirshouer (#6), Brayden McDonald (#18), Alex Fendler (#23), Miles Watson (#24), Nicholas Hussa (#27), Sabre Koleber (#67), Wilder Outman (#70), Nolan Christy (#81), Chris Colon (#84).

Complementing this veteran foundation are 12 underclassmen:

• Sophomores (6): Zak Petterson (#1), Ryan Staehle (#20), Misha Saratovtsev (#30), Jack Baird (#48), Caden Day (#71), Joe Menconi (#89).
• Freshmen (6): Coltin Wassengeso (#8), Micah Saxon (#9), Henry Kittner (#13), Caden Lee (#64), Garrett Plaude (#44), Liam Cardona (#86).

2. Physicality and Collegiate Transfer Influx

The Division 2 squad features impressive size and proven talent from NCAA Division III and top tier junior programs:

• NCAA DIII Transfers (3): Defender Jack Baird (Beloit College), forward Nicholas Hussa (Anna Maria College, standing 6’3”, 205 lbs), and forward Nolan Christy (Beloit College, standing 6’4”, 205 lbs).
• EHL & NAHL Veteran Pipeline:
  • EHL Alumni (4): Austin Hirshouer, Ayden Frolik, Jack Lehman (all from the Boston Jr. Rangers), and center Sabre Koleber (Philadelphia Little Flyers, standing 6’7”, 230 lbs).
  • NAHL Alumni (2): Alex Fendler (Springfield Jr. Blues) and Caden Lee (Aberdeen Wings).
• Netminding Anchor: Senior goaltender Mika Crevier (#33) provides a formidable presence in net at 6’7” and 245 lbs, coming from East Texas Baptist University.

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Division 3 Roster Outlook: Strong Sophomore Core, Texas Talent, and Junior Hockey Depth

The Division 3 roster features a dynamic, fast-paced group built around a large sophomore core and seasoned senior leadership. Across 30 active players, the D3 team averages 5’11.1” and 174.6 lbs:

• Goalies (3)
• Defensemen (9)
• Forwards (18)

1. Roster Balanced by Senior Anchors and Sophomore Depth

The Division 3 squad relies heavily on an 11-player sophomore class while retaining key senior captains across defense and forward positions:

• Seniors (7): Cade Venuk (#3), Darrell Smith (#4), Kameron Smith (#5), Aidan Morrow (#7), Will Sloan (#16), Sam Karraker (#36), Rob Wohlitz (#86).
• Juniors (7): Mark Risser (#40), Austin Adams (#41), Brentley Hennessey (#42), Benjamin Ireland (#59), Jack Lubahn (#63), Landon Miller (#79), Luke Yeary (#90).
• Sophomores (11 total): Top 5 examples include Cameron Burns (#10), Lachlan Hoogenboom (#11), Conor Heniff (#12), Zane Mazzola (#26), and Elisha Caine (#32). (Full list of 11 sophomores available upon request).
• Freshmen (5): Jake Bamback (#22), Zachary Barlow (#25), Miles Lappin (#35), Devon Ward (#47), Jacob Brown (#72).

2. Geographic Footprint and Junior League Pedigree

• Texas Homegrown Talent (18 total): Top 5 examples include Cade Venuk (Lewisville, TX), Kameron Smith (Mansfield, TX), Aidan Morrow (Grand Prairie, TX), Will Sloan (Commack/TX), and Lachlan Hoogenboom (Trophy Club, TX). (Full list of 18 Texas players available upon request).
• Junior Hockey Proven Players (13 total): Top 5 examples include Darrell Smith (NA3HL), Cameron Burns (EHL), Conor Heniff (USPHL), Jake Bamback (NA3HL), and Zachary Barlow (NA3HL). (Full list of 13 Junior alumni available upon request).
  • NA3HL Alumni (7): Darrell Smith, Jake Bamback, Zachary Barlow, Zane Mazzola, Brentley Hennessey, Jacob Brown, Carter Kotrba.
  • EHL Alumni (3): Cameron Burns, Elisha Caine, Devon Ward.
  • USPHL Alumni (3): Conor Heniff, Liam Pouliot, Patrick Daley.

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Key Takeaways & Program Comparison

1. Size and College Experience Advantage (D2): Division 2 holds a physical advantage (6’0.4″ / 183.9 lbs avg vs D3’s 5’11.1″ / 174.6 lbs avg), reinforced by 3 NCAA Division III transfers and 17 upperclassmen.
2. Developmental Depth and Continuity (D3): Division 3 boasts a powerful sophomore core of 11 players alongside 7 seniors, ensuring both immediate competitiveness and future program stability.
3. Goaltending Depth: Both squads enter the preseason with strong returning goalies, providing complete coverage and experience across both levels.

The University of Arkansas Razorback Hockey Club is gearing up for a thrilling 2026–27 season. With both the Division II and Division III squads eyeing deep postseason runs, this year’s slate features a demanding balance of bitter regional rivalries, SEC showdowns, high-caliber showcases, and critical conference clashes.Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the games awaiting both Ice Hogs squads as they take the ice this season.

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Division II: A National Gauntlet and Postseason AspirationsComing off banner seasons and carrying championship expectations, the D2 Razorbacks have assembled a formidable schedule designed to test their depth from opening night through March.Fall Campaign: Early Tests & SEC Showdowns

• September Kickoff vs. Oklahoma State & Georgia:The regular season begins with immediate intensity on September 10 with a quick road clash at Oklahoma State, before returning to Springdale the following night (Sept. 11) for the official home opener against the Cowboys. The home stand continues the very next weekend (Sept. 17–18) as Arkansas hosts SEC foe Georgia for back-to-back clashes.
• On the Road in Iowa and Mississippi:Arkansas hits the road for consecutive late-September and early-October tests, traveling to Iowa (Sept. 25–26) and heading south to Oxford to battle Ole Miss (Oct. 2–3).
• Illinois State & The Maryville Showcase:Following an early October bye, the Ice Hogs welcome Illinois State (Oct. 16–17) to The Jones Center. They close out the month at the prestigious Maryville Showcase (Oct. 22–24) in St. Louis, facing a grueling three-game stretch against Mizzou, Lindenwood, and host Maryville.
• November Push:November brings crucial matchups against Central Region contenders. Arkansas hosts SIUE on November 6–7, travels to Lincoln to face Nebraska on November 13–14, and caps the fall semester with a heated home weekend against SEC rival Texas A&M on November 20–21.

Spring Slate: Showcases, Rivalries, and Postseason Trail

• SEC Showcase & Conference Battles:The spring semester starts with high-stakes action at the SEC Showcase (Jan. 8–11). Returning home, the Razorbacks host back-to-back heavyweight series against Maryville (Jan. 15–16) and border-rival Mizzou (Jan. 22–23).
• Late-Season Road Challenges:Before playoff hockey begins, Arkansas faces tough road tests against Illinois (Jan. 29–30) and perennially ranked Lindenwood (Feb. 5–6).
• Championship Season:The postseason gauntlet begins with the MACHA Tournament (Feb. 12–14), followed immediately by the ACHA Central Regionals (Feb. 19–21). With successful bids, the Ice Hogs will punch their ticket to the ACHA Men’s National Tournament scheduled for March 10–16.

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Division III: Building Momentum Toward the TopThe Division III Razorbacks face an equally competitive schedule, blending early road tests with extensive home stands to position themselves for MACHA title contention.Fall Campaign: Road Openers and Strong Home Stands

• September Road Openers:The D3 squad opens their regular-season schedule on the road with consecutive two-game weekend sets, visiting Middle Tennessee State (Sept. 4–5) and traveling to Omaha to face Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) on September 11–12.
• Home Opener vs. Drury & McKendree:The Ice Hogs make their regular-season home debut on September 25–26 against Drury, followed immediately by another two-game home stand hosting McKendree on October 2–3.
• Mid-Season Tests & Route 66 Showcase:Following a road series at Dordt (Oct. 9–10), Arkansas returns home to square off with Mizzou (Oct. 16–17). The team then heads to Springfield, Missouri, for the Route 66 Showcase (Oct. 23–25), playing three games in three days.
• November Road Battles:November tests the team’s road resilience with back-to-back away trips to Texas to face Dallas Baptist (DBU) on November 6–7, and Springfield to take on Missouri State on November 20–21.

Spring Slate: Home Stretch and Championship Chase

• Midwest Clashes:After the winter break, the team travels to Columbia for a rematch at Mizzou (Jan. 22–23), before settling in for three consecutive home series at The Jones Center:
  • Missouri State (Jan. 29–30)
  • East Texas Baptist (ETBU) (Feb. 5–6)
  • Nebraska (Feb. 12–13)
• The Postseason Push:The D3 squad concludes conference play and heads directly into the MACHA Championship Tournament on February 19–21, with their sights set on qualifying for the ACHA D3 National Championships in mid-March.

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Key Themes for 2026–27

1. Hostile Road Environments: Both teams are tested away from home early in September and November, serving as a proving ground before conference play intensifies.
2. Showcase Toughening: High-intensity showcase weekends (the Maryville Showcase for D2 and the Route 66 Showcase for D3) will simulate back-to-back playoff conditions.
3. February Home Advantage for D3: The Division III squad enjoys three consecutive home series in February, giving them prime positioning down the stretch leading into tournament play.

The Division III Hogs MACHA Tournament run came to an end with a 3-0 loss to rival Dordt College this past weekend. The team had been on a run to finish the season, splitting with nationally ranked Missouri State, and eliminating Drury University and earning a postseason bid in a shootout in the season finale.

The Hogs kept the momentum rolling in the tournament opener, steamrolling MACHA North #1 seed Illinois State 8-3. The game was tied after the first, with both teams feeling each other out and adjusting to the post season pace. The Hogs made the adjustment from there, owning possession and setting the tone with physicality. Arkansas pulled away with 4 goals in the 2nd and 4 in the 3rd.

The Semifinal match up with Dordt started much the same way as the first period ended 0-0 after a controversial no goal call went against the Razorbacks. The game remained close the rest of the way, but Arkansas was unable to find the back of the net in the rest of the contest. Dordt would eventually pull away in the 3rd on their way to a victory, and ultimately a second MACHA Championship on Monday.

This season was a huge step in the right direction for the Division III team. After a run of 7 straight nationals appearances, the 2024-25 season was a drop off with the expansion of the program to two teams. The 2025-26 season was a return to form. After a slow start, the team found its footing and ends the season with a winning record.

The team graduates 5 seniors: F Tanner Freeman, D Zack Kilgore, G Addison Phillips, D Logan Shipley, and F Thomas Verble. With so many returners, the team will look to continue on their upward trend in the 2026-27 season!

Stay tuned to the teams social media pages for updates over the offseason!

This past weekend the Division II Hogs fell 3-2 in overtime to #2 University of St. Thomas. The loss came on the back of an 8-3 win over MACHA Champions #5 Maryville on Friday. This marks the second year the Hogs have fallen to St. Thomas on the final day of regionals.

Arkansas finishes another successful season, their second in ACHA Division II, with a winning record, an appearance in the MACHA Tournament, and another win in the single elimination ACHA Regional Tournament. While disappointed in the result, Head Coach Keller Sims was proud of the effort his team put in against the #2 ranked team in the country:

“We really controlled a lot of this game. We had the lead for a significant amount of time and were really pushing the pace. Some untimely mistakes against a team like that can really hurt you, and unfortunately we got caught there in the third period. Obviously this one hurts right now, but we have to be proud of the effort we brought to the ice tonight, and this season really”.

Arkansas graduates eight seniors: D Bryson Andregg, F Connor Chapman, F Cole Helm, F David Markovich, F Raf Praysner, G Grady Reis, D Ethan Rogers, and D Brian Romero. The team will look to replenish with new faces in the off season and continue their journey to the ACHA National Championship in 2026-27.

“Were losing a lot of guys who are important to our locker room. Losing a lot of production on the ice. I think next year will present our returning guys with an opportunity to step up and take on some bigger roles. We will look to add some freshmen, some transfers, to help offset. Ultimately this team keeps taking steps in the right direction in a new division. So its on the returners, the new guys, and the coaches to make sure this thing keeps going in the right direction.”

Stay tuned to the teams social medias for content and updates over the offseason!

HAMMOND, IN – The University of Arkansas Men’s Division II Ice Hockey team has officially qualified for the 2026 ACHA Central Regional Tournament. Entering the postseason as the #11 seed, the Razorbacks are set to face the #6 seed, Maryville University, this Friday, February 20th, at 2:00 PM.

The tournament, hosted by Purdue University Northwest, features a high-stakes, single-elimination format. Sixteen teams from across the region will compete over two days in four “pods.” On Saturday, the final four matchups will determine which four teams punch their ticket to the ACHA National Championships in St. Louis next month.

“We aren’t just making the trip; we’re coming to make a statement,” said Coach Keller Sims. “Our mission for these two days is clear. We’ve put in the work all season in the MACHA to prepare for this moment, and we’re ready to show the Central Region what Razorback hockey is all about. We’re heading to Hammond ready to leave it all on the ice.”

The Hogs will open play at the Purdue University Northwest facilities in Hammond. While the Kube Sports Complex serves as the primary site, secondary games for Friday are scheduled at the Homewood Flossmoor Ice Arena.

“As a senior, you live for these ‘win or go home’ weekends,” said Senior Captain David Markovich. “The guys are locked in and hungry for more. Our eyes are firmly set on Nationals, and we plan to leave it all on the ice to ensure we’re headed to St. Louis in March.”

“The chemistry in this locker room is unlike anything I’ve experienced before,” added junior JD Duenwald. “The camaraderie we’ve built off the ice translates directly to how we play for each other on it. We’re a tight-knit group of brothers, and that bond is what’s going to carry us.”

Two victories this weekend would send the Razorbacks to the National Championships at the Centene Community Ice Center, scheduled for March 12–22, 2026, where they would compete against the top teams in the nation.

Tournament Details:

• Matchup: #11 Arkansas vs. #6 Maryville
• Date/Time: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM
• Location: Hammond, Indiana
• Venues: Kube Sports Complex (Saturday) & Homewood Flossmoor Ice Arena (Friday)
• Format: 16-team single-elimination; winners of Saturday’s games advance to Nationals.
• Watch: All tournament games will be streamed on FloHockey.com 

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