Alum Easton Oliver earns main camp invite with Brampton Beast (ECHL)

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The Razorback Hockey team is excited to announce that 2015 graduate Easton Oliver has earned a main camp invite with the the Brampton Beast of the ECHL (affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens).  Oliver played last season for the Brewster Bulldogs of the FHL and, in doing so, became the first ever Razorback Hockey alum to crack the professional ranks.  During the 15-16 season, Oliver dressed in 52 games, notching 6 goals to go with 21 assists.  Used on both sides of special teams throughout the season, Oliver accrued several memorable moments during his first pro season including a late-game power play winner against the Port Huron Prowlers back in March.

Oliver, who wore #5 for the Bulldogs, played in the #39 jersey for the Razorbacks for parts of six seasons, during which time he helped the team win five SECHC titles and earn three National Tournament appearances.  Oliver played in 122 games for the Hogs, potting 26 goals alongside 70 assists for a total of 96 points.  He served as the team’s co-captain during the 14-15 season and was selected as an assistant captain for the 13-14 season.  In December of 2014, Oliver was chosen as a defenseman and assistant captain for the Division III ACHA Selects team, which traveled to Switzerland, Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia to play a five game series.

When asked about what he learned during his inaugural professional campaign, Oliver commented, “the biggest thing I learned from this season is that playing with confidence is key. If you don’t have confidence in your game you start to worry too much about mistakes.”  He added, “hockey is a game of mistakes and it’s about how well you can make up for the mistake rather than hanging your head. I think once I realized that, I got a hold of my professional style of play and began to develop into a two-way defenseman.”

Oliver will compete for a roster spot with the Brampton Beast beginning in early October.  If no roster offer materializes, Oliver will return to the FHL for the 16-17 season where he would play for the Danville Dashers.

Piekarski becomes the twenty-third to commit to Arkansas

Piekarski Action ShotThe Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Zach Piekarski has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  The 6’1″ 185 lb. right-handed defenseman from Frisco, Texas, recently completed his season playing for two teams–McKinney U18AA and Frisco High School.  In 90 combined games between those two teams during the 15-16 season, Piekarski scored 43 goals to go along with 49 assists.

Stats aside, Piekarski’s award-laden season included recognition as Co-MVP on his high school team, selection as captain on his travel team, and high school all-star selection.  His teams finished collectively as high school league champions, state runner-up, and a USA Hockey National quarter-finalist. Piekarski’s previous teams have also won the travel state championship (2009-10) and the high school state championship (2012-13).

Said Piekarski, “the University of Arkansas has one of the best Sports Management programs.  Arkansas allows me to continue my hockey career at a high level without delaying my education.  I look forward to being a Razorback and continuing my hockey career.”

Piekarski becomes the twenty-third player in a 16-17 recruiting class that has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in nine different junior leagues (NA3HL, EHL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
F-Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins, DJHA)
F-Wesley Moore (Rampart High School, COHS)
F-Christian MacMeeken (Dallas Jr. Stars, DSTHL)
F-Alexx Vil (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
F-Jack Moore (East Coast Wizards, EHL)
F-Anthony Cebell (Plano East)
F-Parker Tillson (The Woodlands)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
D-Adam Cooke (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The 15-16 season was the first for the Arkansas hockey program fielding two teams.  The 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules were recently released.  You can view the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule is available here.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Two more commit to Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Anthony Cebell and Parker Tillson have formally committed to play at Arkansas.

cebellAnthony Cebell, a 5’9, 195lb., forward from Garland, Texas, played his high school hockey for Plano East & Love Joy Varsity.  In his senior season, Cebell notched two goals and added an assist in 20 games played.  Said Cebell, “I chose Arkansas because I’ve heard only great things about the program and I want to contribute to the team’s success.”  He added, “I’m very excited to be able to play a high level of hockey while I study for my future in mechanics.”

 

For his part, forward Parker Tillson (5’11″, 165 lb.) joins the Razorback Hockey program tillsonfrom The Woodlands High School.  Tillson compiled 3 goals and 5 assists in 25 games during his senior season with the Highlanders. Said Tillson, “I chose Arkansas because the campus and University really suit me and I know the hockey program is going to test me and push me to maximize my abilities.”  TIllson added, “I’m looking forward to playing in a high quality, high intensity program with other players who love the game as much as I do.”

Cebell and Tillson become the twenty-first and twenty-second players in a 16-17 recruiting class that has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in nine different junior leagues (NA3HL, EHL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
F-Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins, DJHA)
F-Wesley Moore (Rampart High School, COHS)
F-Christian MacMeeken (Dallas Jr. Stars, DSTHL)
F-Alexx Vil (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
F-Jack Moore (East Coast Wizards, EHL)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
D-Adam Cooke (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The 15-16 season was the first for the Arkansas hockey program fielding two teams.  The 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules were recently released.  You can view the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule is available here.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Jack Moore on his way to Arkansas

IMG_2660The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Jack Moore has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 1995 birth year, the 5’11″ 190 lb. right-handed forward from Coppell, Texas, recently completed his final junior season with the East Coast Wizards (EHL).

Moore’s junior career includes stops with the Bay State Breakers (USPHL-Elite) and, more recently, the East Coast Wizards (EHL). In 37 games with the Breakers during the 14-15 season, Moore compiled 30 points including 8 goals and 22 assists.  Used by Breakers’ Head Coach Kyle Robertson in a variety of situations, Moore in particular saw time during critical penalty situations.   Said Robertson, “I have been coaching juniors for 20 years and Jack is one of the best leaders I have been around.  He can play all three zones, is a very good face off man, and can shut down the other team’s skilled players.”

With the Wizards this past season, Moore appeared in 33 games and notched five goals to go with an assist.  Said Wizards’ Head Coach Freddy Meyer, “Jack is one of the hardest workers I have coached.  He shows up everyday with a purpose to improve his abilities and to make his teammates better on and off the ice.”

Prior to his junior career, Moore played in the NAPHL for the Texas Tornado where, as team captain during the 13-14 season, he scored 11 goals and added 17 assists in 33 games.  Among his other honors that season, Moore was selected as Offensive Peak Performer of the week, chosen to participate in the Romeoville NAPHL showcase, and selected by the league for the NAPHL Top Prospects All Star Showcase.

Said Moore, “I’m really excited with my decision to attend, and play hockey at the University of Arkansas.  The University has everything to offer, from a great location to a hockey program on the rise.”  He added, “A lot of factors played into my decision to play for the Razorbacks.  After playing in Boston, I realized that being close to home was something important to me along with being close to friends and family in Fayetteville.”

Moore becomes the twentieth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in nine different junior leagues (NA3HL, EHL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
F-Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins, DJHA)
F-Wesley Moore (Rampart High School, COHS)
F-Christian MacMeeken (Dallas Jr. Stars, DSTHL)
F-Alexx Vil (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
D-Adam Cooke (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The Arkansas hockey program recently finished its first season fielding two teams.  The 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules were recently released.  You can view the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule is available here.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Division I schedule released; second campaign features 19 home games

Schedule release

FAYETTEVILLE, AR — The University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey Club today announced its 2016-17 schedule for the team’s 10th season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association and second at Division I. The schedule features a fan-friendly home slate of 19 weekend games at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Fresh from a historic season that saw the team finish #21 in the nation–the highest finish in ACHA history for any team in its first DI season after moving from DIII–the Razorbacks are already looking ahead to their second Division I campaign.  Featuring a fierce 39 game regular season slate, 21 of which pit the Hogs against teams that finished last season in the top 25, the season opens with five consecutive home games at the Jones Center including games against two first-time visitors to The Natural State.

The puck drops on the 2016-17 season at 7:00 pm against ACHA newcomer Eastern Texas Baptist University on September 9 & 10.  Notably, opening weekend marks the program’s first ever double-header; the Division III team takes on Ole Miss at 9:30 pm on both nights following the conclusion of each Division I contest.

The Hogs will look to improve on last season’s inaugural Western Collegiate Hockey League campaign, which saw the team finish in 5th place and one point behind 4th place Arizona.  The Razorbacks begin their second season in the WCHL at home on September 15-17 when Colorado State and Colorado both come to visit.

Highlights throughout the remainder of the season include home tilts against Arizona State and Arizona on Oct. 27, 28 & 29 at the Jones Center and a lengthy homestand throughout the months of January and February. Dating to January 20, the Razorbacks will play 9 games at the Jones Center leading up to the National Tournament, hosted by the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, where the Razorbacks look to make their first ever tournament appearance.

Other notable dates include Pink the Rink with the University of Arkansas School of Law on October 29 when the Razorbacks tangle with Arizona and Senior Night on February 11 when Missouri State visits.  The regular season winds down with a pair of games on the road against the defending National Champion Lindenwood Lions on February 17 & 18.

Single game tickets for the 2016-17 regular season can be purchased on game day at the Jones Center. Season passes will be available for $129.  Information about season passes will be released in July.  Please visit arhockey.westernchl.com for further information about the team.

VIEW 2016-17 FULL SEASON SCHEDULE

 

Alexx Vil headed to Fayetteville

Alexx Vil Action ShotThe Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Alexx Vil has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 5’9″, 165 lb., forward from Arlington, Texas, Vil recently completed his season with the Texas Jr. Brahmas.  A versatile player with experience at both the defensive and forward positions, Vil served as his team’s captain during the 15-16 campaign.  A two-year veteran with the Brahmas organization, Vil previously suited up for the Dallas Jr. Stars 18U team during the 2013-14 season.

According to Vil, “I chose the University of Arkansas because it has everything I’ve been looking for in a college; an accomplished hockey program, an excellent Health Sciences department, and a vibrant campus.”  He added, “[a]fter speaking with trusted coaches from my previous years, I decided that the University of Arkansas was the best fit for me in continuing my development not only as a player but as a person.”

Vil becomes the nineteenth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that has eleven different states represented (Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in eight different junior leagues (NA3HL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
F-Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins, DJHA)
F-Wesley Moore (Rampart High School, COHS)
F-Christian MacMeeken (Dallas Jr. Stars, DSTHL)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
D-Adam Cooke (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The Arkansas hockey program recently finished its first season fielding two teams.  The 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division III schedule was recently released and you can view it here.  The Division I schedule will be released at the end of this month.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Division III schedule released

Screen Shot 2016-06-21 at 11.04.40 AMThe Razorbacks today announced their 2016-17 schedule for the program’s Division III American Collegiate Hockey Association team. The schedule features 14 weekend games at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Coming off a twenty-eight win season that featured a Pacific Regional appearance, the 2016-17 Division III Razorbacks look for a return to the National Tournament in this, a challenging 35 game regular season slate. The regular season opens with a pair of conference games against SEC rival, Ole Miss, on Sept. 9 & 10 at the Jones Center.

The Razorbacks continue their eighth campaign in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference on the road against Georgia in October—only the program’s second trip to Athens. That same month, the Hogs tangle with Kansas on October 10 and, in doing so, host “Pink the Rink” to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Highlights throughout the remainder of the season include a trip to Lincoln for a pair of games against Nebraska, a first-ever trip to Marietta, Georgia, for two games against Kennesaw State, and a return to the Clash of the Corn Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, in mid-November.  The Hogs won the Clash of the Corn during the 2014-15 season.

The second semester kicks off on January 13 with a two game swing through Lebanon, Illinois, to take on McKendree University.  The post-season begins with the SEC playoffs in Nashville on Feb. 10, 11, & 12 followed by ACHA Regionals the following weekend.

Single game tickets for the 2016-17 regular season can be purchased at the Jones Center. Please visit arhockey.westernchl.com for further information about the team.

VIEW 2016-17 FULL DIII SEASON SCHEDULE

Christian MacMeeken and Adam Cooke select Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce a pair of commitments:  F-Christian MacMeeken (Plano, TX) and D-Adam Cooke (Flower Mound, TX).

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Christian MacMeeken

Christian MacMeeken, a 6’0, 160lb., forward from Plano, Texas, played his high school hockey for Plano Senior High School and his travel hockey with the Dallas Jr. Stars and Stars Select programs.  In his season with the Jr. Stars, MacMeeken helped his team to a first place division finish and earned the Playmaker Award along the way.  Then, during his year with the Dallas Stars Select program, MacMeeken was recognized as team MVP where he contributed to his team’s second place finish.

Said MacMeeken, “I have always wanted to attend Arkansas and play college hockey.  I visited the campus and I felt like I was home.”  He also said, “my decision was made when I met with Coach Gallini.  He took the time to talk with my family and answered all of our questions.  I am anxious to continue my education and become a successful Razorback Hockey player.”

 

For his part, defenseman Adam Cooke (6’1″, 170 lb.) joins Cookethe Razorback Hockey program from the Texas Jr. Brahmas.  Cooke served as captain during his most recent campaign with the Brahmas and contributed to a quarterfinal Nationals appearance when he played for the Dallas Jr. Stars.  Said Cooke, “I chose to commit to Arkansas because it gives me an opportunity to play hockey at a high level while receiving a top quality education.”  He also commented, “[t]he coaching staff was very welcoming on my visit and I could tell that they care a lot about the players.  Attending Arkansas will allow me to grow as a player and a person.”

MacMeeken and Cooke become the seventeenth and eighteenth players in a 16-17 recruiting class that has eleven different states represented (Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in eight different junior leagues (NA3HL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  They join the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
F-Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins, DJHA)
F-Wesley Moore (Rampart High School, COHS)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The Arkansas hockey program recently finished its first season fielding two teams.  The 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules will be released later this month.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Wesley Moore and Nikolas Ala-Kokko are the next pair to pick Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce a pair of commitments:  F-Wesley Moore (Colorado Springs, CO) and F-Nikolas Ala-Kokko (Plano, TX).

watermark_5D3_4669 (5)
Wesley Moore

Wesley Moore, a 6’0, 170lb., forward from Colorado Springs, Colorado, spent last season playing for Rampart High School for Coach Joshua McIntosh.  In 19 games for the Rams during the 15-16 season, Moore notched 7 goals and 12 assists.  During the 15-16 campaign, Moore led his team as captain in scoring, ice time, and plus/minus.  For his efforts, he was recognized as team MVP and earned honorable mention all-conference honors.  Said Coach McIntosh, “Wesley is without a doubt the most complete player on our team.  Up a goal with a minute left, down a goal with a minute left, power player, penalty kill, blocking a shot, winning a face-off–I simply can’t get Wesley on the ice enough.”

Said Moore, “I chose the University of Arkansas because it has a great hockey program that has enjoyed immense growth over the last couple years.”  He added, “becoming a Razorback will allow me to further my hockey experience at a high level in a hard-working program, while earning a first-class education.”

 

For his part, forward Nikolas Ala-Kokko (6’1″, 172 lb.) joins the Razorback

Niko Ala-Kokko
Niko Ala-Kokko

Hockey program from the Dallas Penguins (DJHA).  In the 15-16 season, during which the Penguins enjoyed a tremendous 36-14-1 season, Ala-Kokko potted 7 goals to accompany 7 assists in 45 games.  About his choice to attend Arkansas, Ala-Kokko commented, “I have heard only positive things about Razorback Hockey from the players and coaches alike–everyone shares a common drive and attitude toward the game.”  About the University more generally he added, “the University of Arkansas is the college I have always had in mind. I love the campus and I know I will get a great education.”

Moore and Ala-Kokko become the fifteenth and sixteenth players in a 16-17 recruiting class that has eleven different states represented (Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in eight different junior leagues (NA3HL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  They join the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Chris Stovall (Springfield Express, WSHL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The Arkansas hockey program recently finished its first season fielding two teams.  After a post-season reshuffling in the final 15-16 rankings, the 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 this season.  Meanwhile, Division III’s twenty-eight win season was good for third in the SECHC and tenth in the Pacific Region.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules will be released in June.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Chris Stovall the next to choose Arkansas

Screen Shot 2016-01-04 at 7.24.29 PMThe Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Chris Stovall has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 1995 birth year, the 5’9″ 175 lb. right-handed forward from Grapevine, Texas, recently completed his final junior season with the Springfield Express (WSHL).

Stovall has amassed a substantial junior career that has included stops with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays (NAHL), Texas Jr. Brahmas (WSHL), Melville Millionaires (SJHL), Campbellton Tigers (MJAHL), Palm Beach Hawks (USPHL), and Springfield Express (WSHL).  Prior to his junior career, Stovall led his U16 Tier I AAA team as captain to an appearance in the National Championship game.  He has also twice earned USA Hockey National Camp invitations.

Among the many highlight’s of Stovall’s junior career, he was the leading scorer for his 2014-15 Palm Beach Hawks team–amassing 34 points in 31 games–where he also served as an Assistant Captain.  More recently, Stovall was chosen as an Assistant Captain for the Express this past season where he accrued 41 points in 38 games, including 18 goals and 23 assists.  He also led his team in scoring during five Express playoff games this year.

Reflecting on his time coaching Stovall, current Express Head Coach Jeremy Law said, “I am thrilled Chris chose to attend Arkansas and play for the Razorback Hockey Team. It’s a program that continues to improve every season and I have no doubt Chris will be successful under Coach Gallini’s structure and coaching philosophy.”  About Chris more specifically, Coach Law commented, “he treats the game as a professional and shows up to the rink everyday with 100% commitment and dedication to the sport.”

“I am extremely excited to be playing the next four years at the University of Arkansas,” said Stovall.  “Coaches Gallini and Desjardins have been instrumental throughout this process with me and my family.”  Stovall elaborated on his decision by noting, “I really believe in the system and culture of the program. I’ve played with some of the current players in juniors and I know the culture of the locker room and nucleus of the group is one of the best.”

Stovall becomes the fourteenth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in eight different junior leagues (NA3HL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field two hockey teams.  The 15-16 season marked the program’s inaugural season at Division I, which produced the highest finish in ACHA history for any team in its first DI season after moving from DIII.  Meanwhile, the Division III team boasts five SECHC conference titles and three appearances at the National Tournament.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules will be released in early summer.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.