The University of Arkansas Razorback Men’s Ice Hockey Program is pleased to announce Andrew Falls as its next ACHA Division I Head Coach. Coach Falls comes to Arkansas after serving as a Graduate Assistant for Wagner College’s Men’s Hockey program.

Born in Jackson, Tennessee, and raised in Nashville, Coach Falls played for four years in the ACHA for McKendree University where, in 2016, he helped the Bearcats qualify for the National Championship. After college he worked in the front office of the St. Louis Blues and SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears. During his time with Wagner College, he help transform a one-win team in 2016-2017 into a team that qualified for a conference tournament appearance in 2017-18. That campaign also saw Seahawks earn a win over a Division I opponent.

When discussing what drives him to coach hockey, Coach Falls said, “I coach hockey because of how rewarding it is to be a mentor and to build lifelong friendships with the players. Hockey is in my blood and without it, I’m simply not the same person.”

Coach Falls is no stranger to the Razorback Hockey program, “Razorback Hockey has one of the strongest foundations of any team at this level. As an opponent who has had to play at the Jones Center, I was blown away by the fan-base and the deafening support that the team received. It truly is not a fun place to be the visitor.”

In looking to the future and where Coach Falls would like to see the program go, he stated “My goal for the program is to capitalize on the incredible progress that’s been made, and elevate this program to the next level. If the next five years are as good as the last five years, we’ll be competing for national championships.”

“Kevin Cole chose to withdraw from the position for personal reasons and we wish him all the best,” said Coach Gallini, the Program’s Director. He added, “We were elated that Coach Falls was still on the market and elected to come to Arkansas.”

Coach Falls and the Division I Razorbacks play their first game of the 2018-19 season on September 27th in Edmond, OK, where they will faceoff against WCHL rival University of Central Oklahoma. The team opens its home season October 4 against another conference rival–Arizona State.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team recently released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Cam McAtee has committed to Arkansas. The 5’11” 205 lbs. right-shooting Defenseman recently completed his junior hockey career with the St. Louis Jr. Blues (NA3HL).

McAtee, a native of Wentzville, MO joins the Razorbacks after spending seven years with the St. Louis Jr. Blues organization. During the 2017-18 campaign, McAtee served as the team’s Assistant Captain and averaged more than a point per game, scoring 15 goals in 46 games while adding 33 assists. In 2016-17, posted 27 points in 31 games (3 goals, 24 assists). In 166 total games with the Jr. Blues, McAtee amassed an impressive 28 goals and 87 assists.

McAtee also took part in the 2016 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament, scoring a goal in the event. He also spent a portion of the 2014-15 season playing in the NAPHL for the St. Louis Selects 18U team.

McAtee, who plans to study Criminal Justice, commented, “I love being on the ice and I can’t wait to win my first college championship.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, McAtee said, “I chose the University of Arkansas because of the academics and what they had to offer for my degree.” He added, “I chose to play hockey here because I feel like I can develop my game more while also getting a good degree.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team just released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

 

Tryouts are just days away.  Below is the upcoming tryout schedule.  If you’d like to tryout, but have not yet expressed interest, fill out a prospective player form here.  Players must attend all sessions.

August 23, 8:15-11:00 pm
August 24, 5:00 pm (off-ice testing)
August 25, 3:45-6:30 pm
August 26, 9:00-11:45 am

All sessions are open to the public at no admission cost.  Even if you are not interested in trying out, the Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey team has a few remaining board positions for students during the 2018-19 season.  Academic credit is available for RESM students.  Please email Division I Graduate Assistant Chris Hussein (chussein@email.uark.edu) for more more information.

Our Division III team has won the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference post-season playoff tournament six times (09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 17-18) and and the regular season SEC-West conference championship five times (09-10, 10-11, 11-12, 12-13, 13-14).  In its short history, the Division III team has appeared at Nationals four times (09-10, 13-14, 14-15, 17-18), made numerous appearances at the regional tournament, and is consistently ranked in the top ten in our region during the regular season.

The 15-16 season was the first for the Arkansas hockey program fielding two teams.  That season, Division I team finished #21–the highest finish in ACHA history for any team in its first DI season after moving from DIII.  The team’s #21 finish also gave Arkansas the best finish of any of the five teams that made the jump to Division I during the 15-16 season season.

During the 18-19 season, the University of Arkansas will again field both a Division I and Division III team.  Both teams recently released their 18-19 season schedules.  You can see the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule here.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that F-Andy Williams has committed to Arkansas. The 6’0” 185 lbs. left-shooting forward recently completed two collegiate seasons playing for Williston State College.

Williams, a native of Ft. Worth, Texas, joins the Razorbacks after a junior college career that spanned two years. During his most recent 2017-18 campaign with the Tetons, Williams served as Assistant Captain and scored 27 goals in 32 games while notching 16 assists. For his efforts, Williams was named team MVP. In 21 games during the 2016-17 season, Williams accrued 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists).

Prior to his arrival at Williston State, Williams played three seasons of junior hockey. In 46 games for the Dells Ducks of the USPHL in 2015-16, Williams had a stellar 51-point season (25 goals, 26 assists). The year before, he scored 18 goals in the NOJHL playing for the Mattawa Blackhawks in 2014-15. In his first year of junior hockey, Williams averaged nearly two points per game playing in the NPHL for the West Sound Warriors. That year, in 2013-14, Williams had 79 total points and scored 40 goals.

Williams, who plans to study mechanical engineering, commented, “I love the speed, the power and the finesse of hockey but also I love the physical and mental toughness of the game.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, Williams said, “I believe that the Department of Mechanical Engineering under the guidance and expertise of the University of Arkansas professors and curriculum will allow me to become a well-rounded and knowledgeable engineer capable to meet the demands of my profession.” He added, “I am also very excited about the structural changes for the hockey program this upcoming season. It will be an honor to be a trailblazer in our move to be the first member of ‘Club Sports Advance’ and to become an advocate of our hockey program.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team just released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

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.

VIEW THE 2018-19 SCHEDULE HERE

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Dakota Gottlieb has committed to Arkansas. The 6’2” 190 lbs. left-shooting defenseman recently completed his junior league career playing for the Hampton Roads Whalers in the USPHL-Premier.

Gottlieb, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, joins the Razorbacks after a successful junior career that spanned two teams across two years.  In an injury-shortened season with Hampton Roads last year, Gottlieb appeared in 25 games and contributed 8 total points (1 goal and 7 assists). Gottlieb also played his 2016-17 season with the New Jersey Hitmen of the USPHL-Elite where he dressed in 33 games, contributing 12 points (2 goals and 10 assists).

Gottlieb, who plans to study accounting, commented, “hockey is one of the most important things to me, I love playing, and I love winning. I want to win here with the great group of guys that are in the locker room.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, Gottlieb said, “I came to the University of Arkansas for the education, and wanted to be a part of the program as it progresses forward. The Walton School of Business is outstanding and Fayetteville is a great town full of a mix of all types of people from all over the country.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Kevin LaPlante has committed to Arkansas. The 5’9” 180 lbs. left-shooting defenseman recently completed his junior league career playing for the Point Mallard Ducks in the NA3HL.

LaPlante, a St. Louis, MO native, joins the Razorbacks after a successful season and playoff run with the Ducks.  In his second season in Point Mallard, 2017-18, LaPlante contributed 36 total points (14 goals and 22 assists) in 45 games. LaPlante also logged the 16-17 season with the Ducks where he appeared in 46 games.

LaPlante, who plans to study sports management, commented, “I love hockey and it means everything to me. When I’m on the ice nothing else matters. The adrenaline you get is incredible–you feel invincible.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, LaPlante said, “I feel the University of Arkansas’ hockey program is very promising and I will get the best experience out of playing with this program.  I was also drawn to the academic program the University of Arkansas offers and believe it will give me a great opportunity.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey program is excited to announce several changes for the upcoming 2018-19 season.  First, both teams will make a structural move from University Recreation to Student Affairs.

Historically, the program existed as a “Club Sport” through University Recreation.  Clubs are regulated by university policy but are also self-administered, meaning club members traditionally manage the team.  While this model worked for many years, over time, the men’s hockey program grew into two teams, 60 players, 8 coaches, an athletic trainer, two graduate assistants, and a 5-person student board.  This growth demonstrates the strength of the program, but also created challenges under the traditional club sport structure.

Accordingly, after eleven successful years with UREC, the program is excited to move across campus to the Division of Student Affairs, led by Vice Chancellor Charles Robinson.  Razorback Hockey will become the first member of “Club Sports Advance,” which is housed under Student Affairs.  Doing so will shift team management, external relations, budgeting, and resources to the Student Affairs office.  The team is extremely grateful to the staff at UREC who not only supported the team for eleven years but also made this next step possible.

The move to Club Sports Advance also creates the opportunity to expand the team’s leadership.  To facilitate that growth, Division I Head Coach Brian Gallini will step down from his longtime role as head coach and transition into a new program-wide oversight position.  In that new role, Coach Gallini will advise the Division I & III coaching staffs, assist the program through its transition to Student Affairs, mentor student-athletes, and provide overall stability and continuity to the program.

In his nine years with the program, Coach Gallini’s teams (both at Division I and III) won five SECHC Championships and five top ten South/Pacific Region finishes, took three trips to Division III Nationals, achieved the highest finish for any team in ACHA history in its first DI season after moving from DIII, and amassed an overall 186-92-8 record.  Coach Gallini has served the program for nearly a decade while simultaneously serving as Associate Dean and Professor of Law at the School of Law.  In 2017, he was named SEC faculty of the year for the University of Arkansas campus.

Said Coach Gallini, “It’s hard to capture in a few words just how big our program has become since 2007.  I want to thank my players and fellow coaches for believing in our brand of hockey these past several seasons.  Our program is indebted to the College of Education and Health Professions and University Recreation for their support and leadership of Razorback Hockey.  We are also thankful to Chancellor Steinmetz and Dr. Robinson for believing in our vision for the growth and success of the hockey program here at the University of Arkansas.”

The program is excited about the future of Razorback Hockey.  A search for a new Division I Head Coach will begin immediately.

The Division III Razorbacks recently returned from the ACHA National Tournament and wrapped up an impressive 17-18 season, finishing ranked 8th in the country.

In Columbus, the Ice Hogs tied two games and won their final heat, but failed to progress out of pool play.  In their first match, they faced Florida Gulf Coast University in what turned out to be a tie game (1-1).  Their second game against Fairfield ended in a similar manner but was a higher scoring game (6-6).  To round out pool play, the DIII Hogs met Hope College and notched a 5-2 victory.

They left the tournament with a 1-0-2 record but due to ACHA rules did not advance to the next round.  Hope College moved on and proceeded to win the Championship.  Senior Captain Andrew DeNome said, “The season was a huge success, we achieved all of our goals as a team, we really came together as a unit despite the adversity we faced. Although we came up short in the National Tournament, our younger guys and younger leaders will be prepared for next year.”

All in all, the DIII Razorbacks had an incredibly successful season with a 25-6-2 overall record.  Additionally, the Team reclaimed both the SECHC Championship and Pacific Region Championship titles.  DIII’s success would not have been possible without the overwhelming support from fans, friends, and families, University Recreation, Student Affairs, and the Coaching Staff.

Said Senior Captain Matt Tallo, “This season has been the best season of hockey I have ever been a part of. From top to bottom, everyone put in their best effort and we were very successful. We cannot thank everyone enough for their support throughout the season. I would also like to thank my teammate, coaches, and family for these memories that will last a lifetime.”

On behalf of the Coaching Staff, Coach Keller Sims said, “We are very proud of everything these guys accomplished this season. We started with the goal of bringing the SEC trophy back to Fayetteville, and we were able to accomplish that goal and so much more. This group came together early and responded to adversity all season, especially at Nationals by going undefeated and beating the eventual National Champions. The character of the guys in that locker room is second to none. You couldn’t ask for a better group to represent our program and show everyone what Arkansas Hockey is all about.”

This weekend, the Division III Razorback Hockey team heads to Columbus, Ohio, to participate in the ACHA National Championship Tournament.  Two weeks ago, the DIII Ice Hogs swept the Pacific Regional Tournament, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers.

The Team will make the long trip to Columbus this Sunday, March 11th.  They will practice at the Chiller North Rink (8144 Highfield Dr., Lewis Center, Ohio 43035) at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 12th.

The National Tournament features a pool-play format, with the University of Arkansas included in Pool D.  Their first game will be on Tuesday, March 13^th versus Florida Gulf Coast University at 8:30 pm.  On Wednesday, the DIII Razorbacks will face Fairfield University at 2:30 pm.  Then, on Thursday, they will play Hope College at 2:00 pm.

The winner of Pool D will then play the winner of Pool A on Friday, March 16th at 4:00 pm. The Championship game will be the following day, March 17th, at 8:00 pm.

Arkansas enters the contest riding an eleven game winning streak and playing some of their best hockey, having recently swept both the Pacific Regional Tournament and the SECHC Conference Playoffs.

All of the games will be broadcast through the ACHA National Championships YouTube page, which can be found here.  For ticket prices and more information, check out the ACHA National Championships website.