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.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce the next 2017-2018 commit, D-Kyle Dudley of Allen, Texas.  Dudley comes to the University of Arkansas after two seasons with the Euless Jr. Stars in the NA3HL.  A two-time selection to the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament, Dudley contributed 26 points in his 68 games with the Jr. Stars.

Euless Jr. Stars Head Coach Don Babineau said, “I’m happy to see Kyle fulfill his goal by playing college hockey.  He has worked very hard the past two seasons as one of our top defenseman. Kyle leads by example on and off the ice.  He is a complete team player and competes very hard in a practices and games.  He should make an impact on the defensive core.  Our organization wishes Kyle the best of luck this upcoming season.”

Before playing for Coach Babineau in the NA3HL, Dudley played youth hockey with the Allen Americans.  In 15 games with the Americans, Dudley posted 2 goals, 13 assists, and 16 penalty minutes.  While there, Dudley served as the team captain and impressed the Allen coaching staff who characterized him as a “smart, tough offensive defenseman.”

As a kid, Dudley learned to skate on roller blades and loved watching his dad play roller hockey.  Dudley started playing in an outdoor roller hockey league at seven years old, but switched to ice hockey by age 8.

Said Dudley, “I have many friends that attend the University of Arkansas, and they have all told me how amazing the school is. When I went up there to visit the school I had an unbelievable experience. I was able to meet with the coaches and staff and was impressed with the program they have established.”

Dudley becomes the fourth in a growing recruiting class that already features players from three different states.  Dudley joins 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.

Razorback Hockey is pleased to announce the next addition to the program, D-Shaun Foster from Grapevine, Texas.  Foster is transferring to the University of Arkansas after playing at the NCAA DIII level for State University of New York-Canton (SUNY-Canton).

Before beginning his collegiate career at SUNY-Canton, the 6’1” 190 lb. defenseman played for the Texas Brahmas in the WSHL. While there, he contributed 12 goals in 33 games played.  Prior to playing with the Brahmas, Foster spent one season with the Rochester Ice Hawks in the MNJHL.

Foster first became interested in hockey when the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999.  Then 8 years old, Foster and his brother tried roller hockey for a bit and then started taking ice skating lessons.  Soon thereafter, Foster joined a youth team in his hometown and continued to play locally throughout high school.

Foster says he is very excited to join the team this fall and pursue his education here at the University of Arkansas.   Foster describes the move to Arkansas as the “opportunity [he has] been waiting for: to obtain a great education while playing for a team that has great values and principles.”

“Shaun adds both size and physicality to our blueline,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “Shaun’s edgy game will make it hard on opposing forwards.  We expect him to make an immediate impact.”

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 excited to announce that F/D-Paiute Morrison (6’0, 170 lb.) has committed to the University of Arkansas.  The left-shooting versatile defenseman/forward is skilled on both ends of the ice.  The Ashland, OR, native joins the Razorbacks after two years playing junior hockey with the Southern Oregon Spartans in the Western States Hockey League as a forward.

In 2011, Morrison moved to Colorado to attend college prep school and play hockey for Fountain Valley School of Colorado.  Morrison excelled academically, served as the captain of the team from 2013-2015, and played as a starting, varsity defenseman.   During his time at FVS, Morrison recorded 27 points in 38 games.

When Morrison signed with the Spartans, his FVS coach Mike Payne said, “Paiute’s work ethic, composure and ability to create his own space with the puck should allow him to make an immediate impact in this league.”

Morrison signed with the Spartans in 2015.  During his first season (2015-2016), Morrison was named the “Rookie of the Year” after contributing 23 points in 51 games.  Playing for the Spartans, Morrison contributed 41 points (13 goals & 28 assists) in 97 games.

Morrison cites his Spartans Coach, Dave Cole, as a big part of his decision to play for the Razorbacks, saying, “The first time I was introduced to the University of Arkansas, my current coach Dave Cole was so enthusiastic about my interest that he started making phone calls and arranging meetings for me to talk to Coach Gallini.”

Morrison is committed to academic excellence while pursuing his true passion: ice hockey.  His love for hockey developed when Morrison was only eight years old and attended the local rink’s summer camp.

Said Morrison, “I’ve always held my academics in high standard while playing hockey. It’s important for me to feel good about my grades and how they might play into my future. When pressed with the decision of choosing a college, Arkansas offered me the best option to continue to play the sport I love, alongside attaining a higher level of academic success.”  The Razorback Hockey program is excited to welcome Paiute Morrison to the program.

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-Max Barr as the first 2017-2018 Arkansas commit.   At 6’4” 205 lbs., the right-catching goalie from Wilmington, MA, adds both size and experience to the roster.

Barr recently completed his junior career playing for the Long Beach Bombers in the Western States Hockey League.  Playing for the Bombers, Barr recorded a 2.31 Goals Against Average and .908 Save Percentage en route to a 16-1 overall record.

In an interview before joining the Bombers, Barr described his strengths as a hockey player: “One of my greatest strengths is my mental game, and the way I can overcome adversity.  I’m a very calm goalie, and rarely get rattled in games.”

Before his time with the Bombers, Barr accrued substantial junior experience in a career that took him across the country (and Canada).  At fifteen, Barr played for the Salem Ice Dogs in the Empire Junior Hockey League.  Thereafter, he spent seasons with the Boston Junior Bruins, Phillips Exeter Academy, the Connecticut Yankees of the USPHL, and the Richmond Generals of the USPHL-Elite.

During the 2015-2016 season, Barr spent half a season with the Blind River Beavers in the NOJHL before joining the Chicago Cougars of the USPHL Midwest and then finishing his season with the West Michigan Wolves in the NA3HL.  Across the totality of his junior career, Barr has started more than 100 games.

Hockey was a big part of Barr’s childhood, as he started skating at just four years old.  A couple years later, he starting playing hockey and began playing in goal by age seven.  Barr credits his cousin, who was also a goalie, as a source for his motivation.  He describes hockey as big part of his family’s traditions.

Said Barr, “I was considering other ACHA programs, as well as NCAA DIII schools, but after I visited the school, met the players and coaches, and learned about Coach Gallini’s plans for the program, I immediately knew it was the right place for me.  I never thought, coming from New England, that I would be attending an SEC school.”

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Razorbacks announce leadership changes

Fayetteville, AR — March 9 — Beginning with the 17-18 season, Coach Collin Hesse will return to the Razorback Hockey program as Head Coach of the Division III team.  Coach Hesse will continue to work closely with Coach Robert Thomas on practice planning, roster decisions, and team strategy.  Said Coach Hesse about his new role, “I am extremely proud to continue to work in this program.  I’ve learned a lot from Coaches Gallini, Desjardins, and Thomas the past several seasons and I’m excited to showcase that knowledge.”

Coach Hesse has served in a number of roles for the program over the past several seasons, including as a player (11-12), Club President (13-14 & 14-15), Student Assistant Coach (12-13, 13-14, 14-15), and Division III Associate Head Coach (15-16).  About his new role he added, “I intend for us to continue the success that the Division III team has had in recent years.” Coach Hesse is a 2015 graduate of the University and a Level III USA Hockey certified coach.  Meanwhile, Coach Robert Thomas will assume General Manager responsibilities for the Division III team while remaining in an on-ice assistant coaching role.

The Razorbacks are proud to also announce changes at the Division I level.  Longtime Associate Head Coach Rick Desjardins will move into a new role as the program’s first Director of Player Development.  Entering his tenth season with Razorback Hockey, Coach Desjardins has helped lead the Division III Razorbacks to five SECHC titles, a South Regional championship, and three appearances at Nationals.   He has been a key component of the team’s growth alongside its smooth transition to the Division I level.  In his new role, Coach Desjardins will focus on developing the program’s goaltenders while working throughout the season to identify and recruit future Razorback Hockey players by attending showcases across the country.  Coach Desjardins’ new position will also enable him to work with players from both rosters throughout practices and games alike.  During Coach Desjardins’ impressive tenure, the team has won over two-hundred games, earned five conference titles, and three trips to the Division III National Tournament.

Assistant Coach Justin McDowell will enter the 17-18 season as the Division I team’s Associate Head Coach.  The 17-18 season will mark Coach McDowell’s ninth season with the Razorbacks — 5 as a player and 4 as a coach.  During his playing career, the team won a total of 132 games and Coach McDowell personally earned third team All-Conference honors (2011-12), represented the Razorbacks at the ACHA DIII All-Star Challenge (2011-12), and was recognized on the SECHC Academic Honor List (2013-14).  As a coach, he has helped transition the program from its status as a Division III team to the first SEC school to field both Division I & Division III teams.  Said Coach McDowell, “I’m just excited for the opportunity that lies ahead.  I appreciate the added responsibility that comes with this new role and I am already looking forward to next season.”

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school that fields ACHA teams at the Division I and Division III levels.  Current players represent sixteen different states, four countries, and nine different junior leagues.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

This Friday and Saturday, February 17 & 18, the University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey team gets on the road to St. Charles, Missouri, to take on the defending National Champion–Lindenwood University (16-11-3).  The Lions enter the weekend on a six game winning streak ranked #5 nationally and having just swept #6 Robert Morris University by 3-2 and 4-0 scores.

The Razorbacks come to Lindenwood having split their final home series against Missouri State.  Last Friday, the Hogs spotted the Ice Bears a three goal lead in the first period and never recovered.  Despite dropping the initial contest 7-3, Arkansas foreshadowed Saturday’s result by winning the third period 2-0.  Then, on Saturday, in front of a sold-out crowd, Arkansas rallied from a 3-1 deficit to score four unanswered goals including three in the third to win 5-3.  The win gave the Hogs the opportunity to send their two seniors, #22 Brandon Van Rooyen and #8 Kyle Summerford, out on a winning note.

Saturday also served as the program’s first-ever alumni night.  Alums from rosters dating back to 2009 were treated to a mid-day BBQ followed by the first-ever alum game and then an opportunity to stay both for the game and a post-game reception.

As the Division I team played at home, the Division III team was in Nashville for the SECHC Conference Playoff tournament.  As the #6 seed, the Hogs took on the #3 seed Ole Miss Rebels.  Despite jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the Razorbacks were unable to secure the upset.  Behind two second period goals, the Rebels tied the game 2-2 entering the final frame.  The teams traded goals in the third until Ole Miss potted the game winner late in the third period en route to a 5-4 win.

The Hogs faced Florida last Saturday in the fifth place consolation game.  The high scoring affair saw several changes in momentum.  After being down 3-1 at the end of 1, the Hogs rallied but found themselves down 7-5 after two and ultimately fell to the Gators by a final score of 9-7.  The loss concludes the Division III team’s season.

Fans can watch tonight’s game against Lindenwood at 7 pm by clicking here (PPV).  The teams will face-off again in the final game of the regular season tomorrow at 4 pm.  In the meantime, fans can listen to #7 Jacob Brown and #25 James Haddock talk about the program on this week’s WCHL podcast, available here.

On February 10 & 11, the Division I University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team will play host to WCHL rival Missouri State.  The Ice Bears swept the Hogs in a pair of exceptionally close games back on December 2 and 3 in Springfield.  On night one, the Hogs and Bears were tied 3-3 with less than four minutes to play when Missouri State notched the game winner.  Then, in the second game, the Razorbacks could not hold onto a 3-2 third period lead; rather, the team yielded three unanswered goals en route to a 5-3 loss.

Both the Hogs and Bears enter the series having each dropped the last three games.  The Division I Hogs dropped last Thursday’s contest against Oklahoma before losing a pair of games against the University of Central Oklahoma.  Missouri State did the opposite — losing to Central Oklahoma last Thursday before dropping both games against Oklahoma.  The puck drops at 8:00 pm CST on Friday and 4:00 pm CST on Saturday.  Ticket information is here and broadcast information is here.  Friday night is Law School night and Saturday night is both Alumni Night and Senior Night.  Catch up on the latest media featuring the team here.

Meanwhile, the Division III Hogs get on the road to Nashville for the SECHC tournament.  As the #6 seed (see the full bracket here), the Hogs will take on Ole Miss in the first round.  The match-up is a rematch of the two teams’ opening series back in September.  The evenly matched teams split the opening series with the Razorbacks notching a 6-5 win back on September 9 but then dropping game two by a 5-2 margin.  Puck drop of the first round match-up is 3:45 pm CST.  Fans can listen to the radio broadcast by following this link.

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Division I Razorbacks welcome the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma to the Jones Center. The Hogs enter the conference weekend having split a pair of games against Lindenwood-Belleville last weekend.  During the Friday night contest, the Razorbacks could not convert a 2-1 third period into a first-ever victory over the Lynx.  Rather, LIU-B notched four unanswered third period goals to solidify a 5-2 win.  The Razorbacks exacted revenge on Saturday with a 3-2 shootout win–the program’s first ever over the Lynx.

First up on Thursday night at 8:30 pm is #14 Oklahoma (13-6-5) who enters the weekend after being idle last weekend.  Oklahoma last tangled with WCHL conference rival Colorado on January 20 & 21 when the Sooners notched an overtime win in game one but then dropped the second game in the series by a 7-0 margin.

The Sooners and Razorbacks last met much earlier in the season when Oklahoma swept the Hogs in two exceptionally close games.  In a seesaw affair on September 30,  the Hogs jumped out to a 1-0 lead after which the Sooners evened things up to make it one apiece.  The teams again traded goals, after which the Hogs added one more at the end of the period to enter the first intermission with a 3-2 lead.  Two unanswered markers for the Sooners, though, left the Razorbacks trailing by one entering the final frame.  Although the Hogs notched the equalizer just a few minutes into the third period, the Sooners scored their fifth roughly midway through the final period en route to a 5-4 win.

The second game was equally tight.  OU took a 2-0 lead in the second period of that contest when the Razorbacks cut the deficit in half on a mid-period tally by Assistant Captain Matt Robinson.  The teams traded chances until the Sooners were able to pot an empty netter to seal the win.  Lifetime, the Hogs are 1-10-0 against Oklahoma and have never beaten the Sooners on home ice.

Following the OU tilt, the Hogs will play host to #7 University of Central Oklahoma (21-7-1) on Friday at 8 pm and Saturday at 4 pm.  Last weekend, UCO swept #11 Stony Brook by 3-1 and 4-3 scores.  The Bronchos and Razorbacks last played in Oklahoma City on September 29.  After a scoreless first period that night, the Bronchos jumped out to a 1-0 lead midway through the second period.  When the Hogs responded, the two teams went into the second intermission tied 1-1.  UCO broke the tie roughly two minutes into the second period and added an insurance goal minutes later en route to a 3-1 win.  The Razorbacks have never beaten the Bronchos on home ice.

Meanwhile, the Division III Razorbacks get on the road to take on Robert Morris-Peoria.  After earning a split last weekend against Kansas, the DIII Hogs look to earn a pair of critical Pacific Region wins as they make a final push to earn a spot in the Regional Tournament.

Ticket information for this weekend’s home games is here.

Can’t make it?  No problem.  Broadcast information is here.