The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce F-Jiri Trubacik as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.  The 5’11 195 lb. physical forward comes to Arkansas after two seasons of junior hockey.  Most recently, Trubacik played for the Cheyenne Stampede in the WSHL.  He played 23 games and contributed 18 total points (7 goals and 11 assists) for the Stampede.  Prior to playing for Cheyenne, Trubacik played 26 games for the Tulsa Jr. Oilers during which he recorded 21 points (9 goals and 12 assists). Trubacik split his 2015-16 season between the Rochester Ice Hawks and the Peoria Mustangs in the NA3HL.

Trubacik was born in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic.  Trubacik explains that his father introduced him to hockey when he was just 4 years old and he “automatically fell in love.”  He says he is blessed to have parents that support his love for hockey and as a result, brought him to the United States to continue his career.

Trubacik and his family settled in St. Louis, Missouri, before his freshman year of high school.  He soon joined the St. Louis AAA Blues in the TIEHL U16 and spent two seasons with them before moving up to the St. Louis Selects in the NAPHL18U.

Regarding his decision to come to Arkansas, Trubacik said,  “I chose the University of Arkansas because I believe it was meant for me to go there.  If Coach wouldn’t have contacted me, I don’t know where my career would have ended up.  When I visited the campus, it fit the criteria I was looking for.  The coaches and players have the mentality of winners.   I would not want to be around anyone else.  I can’t wait to show what I have to bring to the table and set some new records.”

“No matter the team or the league, Jiri has been a productive player on every one of his prior rosters and we anticipate the same productivity from him here,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “His skill-set aside, Jiri has a team-first mindset and stands out as someone who genuinely wants to make his teammates better.”

Trubacik becomes the fifteenth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and three countries.  Trubacik joins the following players:

F- Konnor Madsen (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F- Andrew Pellegrino (Fresno Monsters, WSHL)
F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D- Cal Owens (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 F-Konnor Madsen as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.   The 6’0” 210 lbs. left-shooting power-forward recently completed his junior league career playing for the Long Beach Bombers in the Western States Hockey League.

Madsen, a Kelowna, B.C. native, joins the Razorbacks after a successful season and playoff run with the Bombers.  In his first season in Long Beach, 2016-17, Madsen contributed 30 total points (11 goals and 19 assists) in 37 games.

Bombers Head Coach Chris White said, “Konnor joined us for his twenty year-old season, and was red-hot, right off the bat.  He has the ability to finish in tight or dangerous places around the opponents’ net.  He was a real selfless player that has a great passion for the game and all it offers. He fits the mold of a power forward that can do work along the wall, and make life difficult for defenders and netminders, alike. We are very excited that Konnor has taken his game to the collegiate level, as I know that was a very important goal for him.”

Before his time with the Bombers, Madsen spent his 2015-17 season with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) and the Fairview Flyers (NWJHL).  For his rookie campaign, Madsen played for the Castlegar Rebels in the KIJHL.

Madsen started playing hockey at 4 years old.  As a teen, Madsen attended the Pursuit of Excellence School, a premiere hockey academy in Kelowna.  In his three years there, Madsen contributed 74 total points and played 170 games. Madsen says he is very thankful for the unforgettable friendships, memories, and experiences from his hockey career thus far.

Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas, Madsen said, “My interest in Arkansas grew when more of my teammates were considering attending the University. After speaking with Coach Gallini, I knew I had fly down for a visit. From the moment I got to the University, I knew I had to play hockey, and attend the school next year. The guys on the team, and the staff all contributed to my decision, and I am very excited for this coming fall.  I’d also like to thank all of the coaches, staff, teammates, and friends and family who have helped me become the player and person I am today.”

Madsen becomes the fourteenth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries.  Madsen joins the following players (and several former Bombers teammates):

F- Andrew Pellegrino (Fresno Monsters, WSHL)
F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F- Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D- Cal Owens (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 F-Andrew Pellegrino as the next 2017-18 commit.   The right-shooting forward comes to Arkansas after a successful junior league career with the Fresno Monsters of the Western States Hockey League.

Pellegrino played 85 games with the Fresno Monsters across two seasons.  In his first campaign with the team (2015-16), Pellegrino contributed 5 goals and 3 assists in 34 games.  Returning as a captain for the 2016-17 season, Pellegrino played 51 games and recorded 41 total points (22 goals and 19 assists) with 57 penalty minutes.  He helped the Monsters make it to and compete in the playoffs both years.

“Pelly is going to bring a lot to the table. He has great speed and a good shot. He leads by example on and off the ice with his work ethic.  He’s good on both the power play and penalty kill.  He’s a very solid all-around player who plays with grit. Fans will love this guy—the way he plays and his great personality off the ice,” said Fresno Head Coach Kevin Kaminski.

Pellegrino is a native of Fresno, California. Pellegrino’s father, Damian “Deno” Pellegrino, played professional hockey for the Fresno Falcons and introduced Andrew to the sport when he was only 3 years old.  Throughout his hockey career, Pellegrino describes his father as the biggest influence on his love for hockey.

Says Pellegrino, “The thing that I love most about the game of hockey is the speed and intensity; there’s not a single sport in the entire world that matches or surpasses those two aspects of the game. Add in the element of teamwork and comradery, there’s nothing like it.”

Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas, Pellegrino said, “Choosing to be a Razorback was easy after seeing what the school had to offer in both hockey and academics. I am very excited to continue my education at a great school and continue playing the sport I love.”

Pellegrino becomes the thirteenth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries.  He joins the following players:

F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F- Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D- Cal Owens (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 D-Cal Owens as the next 2017-2018 Arkansas commit.   The 6’1” 195 lbs. left-shooting defenseman recently completed his junior league career playing for the Long Beach Bombers in the Western States Hockey League.

Owens is a versatile player with experience and skill playing as both a forward and a defenseman across his junior career.  Owens joins the Razorbacks after playing part of the season as a forward for the Bombers.  In his first season in Long Beach, 2015-16, the best season in Bombers’ history, Owens contributed 25 total points (14 goals and 11 assists) in 47 games.  This past season, Owens scored 6 goals and accumulated 17 assists in 27 games.

Owens was the first Bombers captain to wear the “C” in back-to-back seasons.  Said Head Coach Chris White, “Cal was a two-year captain for our squad. He arrived as a gritty, in-your-face type of player, that was a natural emotional leader. This past season, he really made a big step in terms of his maturity and leadership. When we experienced some injuries to the defensive core, he willingly stepped up to help the club. In doing so, we found some real value in his ability to play physical in our defensive zone, and quickly put pucks on the tape to transition our offense. He has a level of comfort and patience with the puck that is rarely seen among young defensemen.  Cal also possesses a hard shot that led to double-digit goals from the blue line.  He is going to give the staff, his teammates, and the University of Arkansas hockey fans his complete effort, every time the Razorbacks hit the ice. We are very proud of Captain Cal, and looking forward to tracking his progress in Fayetteville.”

Before his time with the Bombers, the Calgary, Alberta native played his rookie season for the Castlegar Rebels of the KIJHL. He earned Rookie of the Year Honors and scored 15 goals and added 12 assists in 45 games.

Owens says that he started playing hockey as early as possible.  Owens is the oldest of three boys, all of whom followed in his footsteps.  His love for hockey took him to the Edge School for Athletes, a preparatory school in Calgary where he played hockey and learned how to be successful as a student athlete.

Cal thanks his past coaches for his achievements, saying, “I believe most credit is due to my coaches Chris White, Jordan Yindiphol, and Brennan Fobel with the Long Beach Bombers. They really helped me develop as a boy into a man off the ice which translated into me being a good leader on the ice as well. They had a lot of faith in me and we won a lot of hockey games together.”

Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas, Owens said, “I fell in love with Arkansas the day I arrived on campus for my tour. Everyone I met during my stay was warm and welcoming, and the campus was beautiful. Not only does Arkansas provide a wide variety of excellent academic programs to further my education, but Coach Gallini and his fellow staff did an excellent job selling me on the rising Razorback Hockey program. I believe that with the recruiting class Coach Gallini has brought in, we have the assets necessary to bring a championship to Fayetteville. I am excited to join my former Bomber teammates, Konnor, Max and Sine, in August to further our educations and hockey careers.”

Owens becomes the twelfth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries.  Owens joins the following players:

F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 F-Sam Weidenbaum has committed to the University of Arkansas.  The 6’2” 200 lbs right-shooting forward comes to Arkansas after completing his junior hockey career.

Weidenbaum finished his 2016-17 campaign by helping the Decatur Blaze in the USPHL earn a National Tournament bid as one of two Midwest Division representatives.  In 7 regular season games with the Blaze, Weidenbaum recorded 9 total points (5 goals and 4 assists).  During Decatur’s playoff run, Weidenbaum chipped in 2 goals and 2 assists across 9 games.  Before his time with the Blaze, he played for the Dells Ducks in the USPHL Elite and the Long Beach Sharks in the NA3HL.

Weidenbaum spent his 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Marquette Royals in the MnJHL and then the USPHL Midwest.  In 78 games with the Royals, he contributed 18 points (9 goals and 9 assists).

Weidenbaum, a native of Phoenix, AZ, started skating at 8 years old with some friends from school.  Says Weidenbaum, “once I realized that hockey was a great way to get out of the Arizona heat I was hooked.”  He describes playing hockey as “the best feeling in the world” whether he’s skating “on a pond, in a big game, or even practice.”

When the USPHL announced Weidenbaum’s commitment to Arkansas (read here), Decatur Blaze Coach/GM Zac Pearson said, “Sam came to us late in the season and really made an impact with our team.  He’s one heck of a hockey player and Arkansas will see that immediately.”

Said Weidenbaum, “Attending a top school like the University of Arkansas is a great opportunity for me.  Coach Gallini made my decision to commit to the University very easy.  After talking with him about the program, over the last few months, it is hard not to get excited about the opportunity I have been given to play here.  I can’t wait to get on the ice next season wearing cardinal and white.”

“The size keeps rolling into Fayetteville and we could not be more excited,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “We predict that Sam will contribute to the aggressive style we expect from this season’s roster.”

Weidenbaum becomes the eleventh in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries.  Weidenbaum joins the following players:

F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 G-Brock Thompson as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.  The 6’2” 190 lbs. left-catching goalie recently completed his junior league career playing for the Connecticut Nighthawks in the Eastern Hockey League.

With the Nighthawks, Thompson recorded a 2.62 goals against average and a .926 save percentage in 15 games. Earlier in the 2016-17 season, Thompson played for the Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers (WSHL) and the Coulee Region Chill (NAHL).

Thompson played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers of the EHL during the 2015-16 season where he earned a 2.04 GAA and a .927 save percentage.  He would later receive the EHL Premier Division Goalie of the Month after posting a 5-0 record and 1.77 GAA in January 2016.  He also helped the Little Flyers win the EHL Regular Season Championship that same season.  Drafted by the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL in 2014, Thompson won the Tier I 18U Texas State Championship in 2015 before entering the junior ranks.

Born in Oklahoma City, hockey was a big part of Thompson’s childhood.  He explains, “As soon as the Oklahoma City Blazers came to town in 1992, we bought season tickets. I went to Blazers’ games ever since I was born. I started playing hockey when I was four. When I was six, my teammates took turns strapping up the pads and playing goalie. Once it was my turn to play goalie, I never took the pads off and I’ve been a goalie ever since. I think I liked the idea of wearing the cool pads and being able to stay out on the ice for the entire game.”

Regarding his decision to come to Arkansas, Thompson said, “Arkansas offers me the chance to earn my degree from one of the top schools in the nation and play the sport that I love at a very high level.  Being close to home for the first time in three years is a great feeling. Growing up in Oklahoma, I always had to travel across the country to play hockey games. Knowing that my family and friends will be able to drive a few hours to see me play made my decision much easier.”

“It’s hard not to be excited by the academic and athletic makeup of this year’s still growing recruiting class,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “Apart from the obvious—the addition of more size—Brock’s athletic goaltending style will make it challenging for opposing shooters.  He cuts down the angle well and his recoverability makes rebound opportunities scarce.  Brock is also a dedicated student who is serious about taking advantage of all that our University has to offer.”

Thompson becomes the ninth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from six different states, two countries, and three junior leagues.  Thompson joins the following players:

F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA).
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL);
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 F-Sine Chadi as the next 2017-2018 Arkansas commit.   The 6’3” 215 lbs. left-shooting forward recently completed his junior league career playing for the Long Beach Bombers in the Western States Hockey League.

Chadi played 11 games with the Bombers and contributed 3 goals.  Bombers Head Coach Chris White said, “Sine was a late-addition to our club last season. We picked him up at the deadline to add some size and grit to our talented forward group as we approached playoffs. He plays a physical game, and it often appears that defensemen can uncomfortably sense him bearing down on them on the forecheck.  He possesses a heavy shot, and was used as a net-front presence on the power play. Most importantly, Sine is a dedicated, hard-working young man who exudes a certain level of maturity and professionalism.  We are thrilled he has chosen University of Arkansas to continue his hockey career and academic studies.”

Before his time with the Bombers, the Edmonton, Alberta, native played for the Calgary Mustangs in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.  In 33 games with the Mustangs, Chadi recorded 9 goals and 2 assists, with 66 penalty minutes.

Chadi spent his 2015-16 campaign with the North Edmonton Redwings in the Capital Junior Hockey League in Alberta.  There, he played 32 games, recorded 11 goals, 19 assists, and 43 penalty minutes.   During his 2014-15 season, Chadi played for the Blind River Beavers (NOJHL), Fort Murray Oil Barons (AJHL), and Dauphin Kings (MJHL).

Chadi explains that hockey is “huge” in his family and “everything is associated with hockey somehow.”  Chadi started skating at 4 years old—as soon as he was able to skate.  Soon, his younger siblings all took up the sport as well.

Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas, Chadi said, “I wanted to be a part of the Razorback community because of the atmosphere around the athletes and the truly one of a kind program. I am very excited to advance my hockey career here and also get top-notch education.”

Chadi becomes the eighth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from five different states and two countries.  Chadi joins the following players:

F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA).
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL);
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 D-Corey Rees as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.  At 6’1” 200 lbs., the right-shooting defenseman brings size and a deep junior background to the program.

Rees recently completed his junior league career playing for the Long Beach Sharks in the NA3HL where he served as the team’s Assistant Captain.  Playing for the Sharks, Rees dressed in 43 games, contributed 10 points, and accrued a +11 plus-minus rating.  During the Sharks’ 2017 Silver Cup playoff run, Rees dressed in all 8 games where he chipped in a goal, two assists, and finished +2.

Said Long Beach Head Coach, Mike Stanaway, “I am thrilled for Corey.  For two years he served as an example to other players on how to compete.  He constantly did things the right way both in practices and games.  I am looking forward to watching him become an impact player for Arkansas as well.”

Before his time with the Sharks, Rees spent the 2015-16 season with the New York Jr. Aviators in the NA3EHL.  For his 2014-15 campaign, Rees played with the Atlanta Jr. Knights in the USPHL Elite.  In total, Rees would play in 122 games across his junior career.

Rees grew up in a military family and was gradually introduced to hockey as they moved around the world.  Rees was born in Denver, Colorado, just as the Colorado Avalanche moved to town.  His family bought season tickets and witnessed the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 1996.  Rees was four when they moved to Okinawa, Japan, where Rees’s father began coaching a roller hockey team.  Rees joined his father’s team.  At age eight, Rees’s family moved to Arizona where he took up ice hockey.  Rees says he “fell in love with the game.”

About committing to Arkansas Rees commented, “When I heard the University of Arkansas was interested in me, I did some research on the history of the school and enjoyed learning about it.  From the coaching staff to the players, everyone who contacted me during the recruiting process showed high interest in getting me to the school so I knew right away it would be a good fit for me.”

Rees becomes the seventh in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from five different states.  Rees joins the following players:

F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA).
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL);
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh 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 G-Rio Virgoe has committed to play at the University of Arkansas.  The 6’4” 205 lbs. left-catching goalie comes to Arkansas after a strong season with the Jersey Shore Wildcats in the NA3HL.

During 2016-2017, Virgoe played 25 games for the Jersey Short Wildcats, collecting 15 wins and amassing a .915% save percentage alongside a 2.91 GAA.

At the end of his regular season in April 2017, the Wichita Falls Wildcats in the NAHL called upon Virgoe to join them for their playoff series against the Lone Star Brahmas.  Said Jersey Shore Head Coach, Corey Leivermann, “Rio was outstanding for us this past season.  He was a leader on and off the ice and I am excited to follow Rio’s career at Arkansas.  He will make an immediate impact.”

Before playing for the Wildcats, Virgo split his 2015-2016 campaign between the London Lakers and the Grey Highlands Bravehearts, both in the GMHL.  Virgoe spent his first year in juniors with the Rochester Hawks of the MNJHL.  In that first campaign, Virgoe posted a 0.88 GAA and 0.945 save percentage.  In high school, Virgoe helped his HC Dallas U18 team reach the USA Hockey Nationals.

Hockey was a big part of Virgoe’s childhood in Allen, TX, as he started skating at just five years old.  Virgoe explains that his father grew up playing hockey in Canada and introduced him to the sport.  As a kid, he played every position on the ice but eventually settled on goalie because he “enjoyed getting hit with pucks.”  Today, he says, he loves the “bond you form with your teammates and the fun, competitive environment.”

Regarding his choice to come to the University of Arkansas, Virgoe said, “It’s a great honor to continue my hockey career at the University of Arkansas while getting my business degree. After touring the campus and meeting the faculty, it was obvious Arkansas was the perfect choice for me.”

Virgoe becomes the sixth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from four different states.  Virgoe joins D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL); D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL); G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL); F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL), and D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA).

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.