The Hogs’ October 5 tilt with Pacific Region rival Robert Morris-Springfield will feature more than just a great hockey game.  The two teams have not met since the 2009-10 seasons when the Hogs traveled to Springfield, Illinois, for a pair of games on October 23 and 24, 2009.  Arkansas won both games that season by 5-2 and 6-4 respective scores, but the Eagles have never come to Springdale and the teams have not played since.  This season’s match-up is particularly intriguing because the teams are now Pacific Region rivals and the RMU-Springfield Eagles figure to be a contender.

Apart from the on-ice rivalry, the team will play host to attendees of the 2013 Central States Law Schools Association (CSLSA) annual conference.  The CSLSA is a regional organization of law schools dedicated to providing a supportive forum for conversation and collaboration with respect to scholarly activity by law school academics.  The Association’s yearly conference takes place at the University of Arkansas School of Law on October 4-5 where law faculty from across the country present papers or works in progress.

“CSLSA is really excited about this year’s ‘hockey-themed’ conference,” said CSLSA President and University of Arkansas law professor Elizabeth Young.  She added, “the conference is held at a different law school each year, and the host school always attempts to catch the ‘local flavor’ of their campus.  For us [the conference organizers], the idea of having hockey as a centerpiece was an obvious choice.  Our own Brian Gallini is the head coach and our keynote speaker, Douglas Abrams, is heavily involved in USA Hockey.  The theme of our conference is Writing What You Do—Using Experience as Inspiration for Scholarship, and these are prime examples of how experiences outside of the typical law field have translated into integral parts of a law career.”

You can see the full conference schedule here.  The puck drops at 7:30 pm on Saturday night.

The Razorback Hockey team took on the University of Oklahoma (Division I) last weekend in both teams’ first regular season games.  The games marked the first of the 13-14 season for Oklahoma.  Coming off of a stellar 22-13-6 campaign last season that saw them finish sixth in the nation, the Sooners sought to pick up this season where they left off.  Entering the series, Oklahoma held the 3-0 lifetime series advantage against the Razorbacks.  The first meeting between the two programs took place back in the 2011-12 season when Sooners traveled to Springdale, AR, for a single game on September 16, 2011, that Oklahoma won 7-3.  The teams met again during the 12-13 season when Oklahoma defeated the Razorbacks by a pair of 10-2 scores.

For their part, the Razorbacks entered the 13-14 season following a 27-9-1 (7-1-0 SECHC) effort in 12-13 that produced a regular season conference title (the program’s fourth) and a playoff conference title (the program’s third).  Lost to graduation are Garth Derry (2009-13), Trent Ritchie (2009-13), and Robert Scott (2009-13), but the Hogs reloaded with the additions of Michael Tallo, James Haddock, Jacob Brown, John Duranczyk, Stone Mudgett, Travis Robbins, Luke Seibold, Kyle Summerford, and Brandon Van Rooyen.

Despite the Hogs’ roster additions, Arkansas fell behind early against Oklahoma both games.  On Friday, the Sooners jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period and never looked back.  Oklahoma cruised to a 8-0 win behind 47 shots.  Arkansas managed just 12 in response.  Saturday’s contest was a different story.  Although the team quickly fell behind–giving up a pair of goals inside the first two minutes of play–the Razorbacks played the Sooners even for most of the remainder of the game and even outshot Oklahoma during the second period of Saturday’s contest.  That same period, the Hogs nearly capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play opportunity, but stellar play by Sooners goaltender, senior Nick Holmes, kept the Razorbacks out of the net.  The Sooners went on to add a third tally in the final stanza en route to a 3-0 final.

This weekend, Arkansas completes its four-game road swing by traveling to Peoria, Illinois, to take on Robert Morris-Peoria.  The two teams have never met.  The pair of games against the Eagles marks the Razorbacks’ opening games against a Division III opponent and marks the program’s first contests in the Pacific Region.  For its part, the Eagles begin their season against the Razorbacks having completed a standout 12-13 season that saw them sitting at or near the top of the Pacific rankings throughout the totality of last season.  The Eagles are led in scoring by returning defenseman Sam Milligan who, in just 20 games last season, registered 29 goals and 25 assists.  Milligan was selected to the DIII All-American First Team last season.  Milligan was also selected to represent RMU on the ACHA All-Star team that traveled to Europe last winter.

The Hogs return home on October 4/5 and play host to another Pacific Region rival–Robert Morris-Springfield.  October 4th’s contest is the fourth annual “Pink the Rink.”  The puck drops at 7:30 pm on both nights.

The Razorback Hockey team swept a pair of exhibition games from the Tulsa Oilers over the past weekend.  On Friday night, a great crowd packed the Jones Center in Springdale to witness this year’s product, and was not disappointed. The Razorbacks took command from the opening faceoff on a goal by senior left winger Johnny Stromp 27 seconds into the game. Sophomore Ryan Machos followed up on a pretty passing play from Stromp and freshman James Haddock and the Hogs were up 2-0 with barely 4 minutes gone in the first. Martin Sundstedt scored an unassisted goal 33 seconds later and the Hogs were off and running. Justin McDowell tallied a nice goal with an assist from defenseman Chris Green to close out the first period scoring. The Hogs peppered the Tulsa goalie with 25 shots in the first period.

Tulsa toughened up defensively in the second period, but could not sustain offense as the Razorbacks transition game exploited Tulsa giveaways. Center Ryan Machos scored two goals less than two minutes apart to put the game out of reach 6-0.

The third period saw the Hogs tally goals by Stromp, Jacob Brown, Marcel Toure and Forrest Mudgett to close out the game 10-0. The Hogs went 2 for 5 on the power play with Ryan Machos netting the hat trick and two assists. Johnny Stromp played a strong game with two goals and three assists. Martin Sundstedt had a goal and two assists, Jacob Brown had a goal and an assist. Chris Green contributed three assists. The Hogs poured 67 shots on the Tulsa net minder. Kevin Scheer was rarely tested and picked up the shut out.

Another great crowd attended the rematch on Saturday. Hogs Head Coach Brian Gallini mixed lines to find more chemistry. Again, the first period started off quickly for the Hogs with sophomore Travis Robbins cashing in less than 5 minutes into the game. However, Tulsa came back after Taylor Jones was whistled for tripping and scored a power play goal for their first goal of the series. Physical play picked up as Tulsa was no doubt humbled by the previous night’s shellacking. The first period ended 1-1.

The Hogs found the going rough in the second period as Tulsa picked up the physical play and began bottling up the Hogs along the boards. Jake Duranczyk broke the tie with some heavy duty work by Justin McDowell and the Hogs were up 2-1. Tulsa came right back and tied the game at 2. But, Duranczyk connected on a nice display of hands from Sundstedt and momentum swung back to the Hogs 3-2. Tulsa continued to play hard and tied the game at 3, then took their first lead of the game 4-3 on nice display of hustle while shorthanded. Tulsa continued to pressure and hit the goalpost. Play seesawed back and forth until the Hogs struck with Logan Drake taking a feed from Joseph Dancy and knotted the game at 4. Martin Sundstedt deflected a shot from Stromp and Robbins with 24 seconds left in the second period to retake the lead.

But the Hogs had a game on their hands when with less than 5 minutes gone in the third period Tulsa’s Watson motored untouched into the slot and whistled a shot over the glove hand of Hogs goalie Spencer Mulgrew. Play remained physical with scrums and whistles slowing the Razorbacks attack. A hit from behind penalty against Tulsa opened the door for the Hogs as Justin McDowell cashed in on the power play from Green and Robinson. Taylor Jones restored a two goal lead with assists from McDowell and Green. Tulsa blew apart at the seams after Referee Chip Excell ejected two Oilers for misconduct penalties at the 16:55 mark. Jansen Polk closed out the scoring with an assist from Brandon Van Rooyen.

Jake Duranczyk led the way for the Hogs with two goals, Justin McDowell contributed a goal and two assists, Martin Sundstedt netted a goal and an assist, and Chris Green logged three more assists while playing shut down defense. The Hogs totaled 70 shots at two Tulsa goalies.

The Ice Hogs open non-conference play with a pair of road games at Division I Oklahoma on Friday the 21st & 22nd. The puck drops at 7:30pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday.

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Paige Ray
479.756-8090 x 2142
pray@jonesnet.org

Springdale, AR (September 10, 2013) – Hockey fans, University of Arkansas supporters, and anyone who knows the joy of the ice rink are invited to come to The Jones Center to support the Razorback Hockey team during its opening weekend of September 13.  While showing their support, fans will be welcomed into an ice rink that is showcasing a new sheet of ice.

“We are offering all fans who buy hockey tickets dated September 13 or 14 the opportunity to exchange their pass for free skating during a public skating session at The Jones Center,” explains The Jones Center Director of Recreation, Michael Kirk.  “We think this is a great chance to support the Razorback Hockey club while encouraging their fans to come back and skate on the new ice after the hockey game is over.”

Kirk continues, “The fact that The Jones Center has new ice is significant because this is an event that happens only twice during a ten year span.  During this week-long process we were able to add the current Jones Center logo in addition to the logos of our major sponsors, Wal-Mart and Tyson.”

“We are excited to start our season on a brand new sheet of ice at The Jones Center,” says Brian Gallini, Head Coach of The University of Arkansas Hockey Club, which is affiliated with the department of University Recreation. “This is the fifth year that Razorback hockey has played and practiced at The Jones Center and we see this as an excellent opportunity to team up with the Center to thank our fans for their support.”

The price for general admission is $8, standing room only tickets are $5 and children 12 and under are free.  Students who show their University of Arkansas ID will be admitted to the student section for $3.  Tickets can only be purchased at the game and the only form of payment accepted is checks or cash.  Both the Friday and Saturday games start at 7:30pm at The Jones Center for Families at 922 East Emma in Springdale.

Public skate times can be found at http://thejonescenter.net/ice-arena/

No Razorback Hockey alum has ever gotten a professional hockey opportunity–until now.  Former Ice Hog Garth Derry received a training camp invitation from the 1000 Islands Privateers in Watertown, New York, after completing the Federal Hockey League’s free agent camp this past weekend.  The three day event, held in Syracuse, New York from August 9-11, featured pro hopefuls from around the nation who were assigned to one of four teams.  Each player played in three games and participated in one practice–all of which were were monitored by FHL general mangers, scouts, and coaches.

Derry played in two games for team red, which games both resulted in victories by 10-3 and 15-5 scores respectively.  During the games, Derry logged time both as a defenseman and left wing.  He was moved to the team blue roster for Sunday morning’s game.  Although blue lost by a lopsided 7-1 score, Derry potted his team’s lone goal.

Derry received significant attention from Razorback fans all weekend long on the team’s social media sites.  With the weekend behind him, Derry recognized the fans’ effort, noting “[i]t means a tremendous amount.” Derry also took the time to answer questions about his most recent tryout experience and how it relates to his past experiences with the Razorback Hockey program.

Razorback Hockey: What experiences as a Razorback hockey player prepared you for this next level?

Garth Derry: I cannot single out any experiences; instead I would rather draw from my entire experience with Razorback Hockey. I definitely owe a lot to this program, more than I can explain. Coach Desjardins recruited me to play for the program after my freshman year at St. Louis University. It was probably the best decision I have ever made. Razorback hockey is truly a family that consists of players, coaches, trainers, and fans. The program is extremely supportive of all its members and helps them reach their potential in all facets of life, not just hockey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.
I have taken away many things that have prepared me for both hockey at the next level and life. I think the biggest thing I took away from my time with Razorback hockey was the mentality the program and Coach Gallini instilled in me. Consistent with the theme, the mentality that I am alluding to calls for controlling what I can. The most pertinent factors being attitude, work ethic, and compete level. The work hard and “never quit” attitude has changed from an option to an intrinsic obligation for me. It seems so easy and something everyone should automatically do but it does not work like that. The easy part is saying it; the hard part is doing it, giving your all every single time.

RH: How did you feel going into the games during the tryout?

GD: It was my first professional hockey camp. I was extremely anxious in the days leading up to camp and up to my first game. I had no idea what to expect at camp. I just skated as hard as I could and everything took care of itself. I controlled what I could control and did not worry about anything else. I felt more and more comfortable as camp went on.

RH: Have your past tryout experiences adequately prepared you for the FHL tryouts?

GD: They definitely helped me but it was a completely novel experience. This was the first tryout of my career that I had no clue what to expect or how I was going to measure up. I felt like I was adequately prepared for anything though. I maintained a “never quit” mentality and worked hard. I focused on the little things rather than trying to do too much. My attitude, work ethic, and compete level were the centerpieces of my game. I did not have a great game two but focused on those three things the next game and I controlled what I could. I did not worry about the pressure of the tryout, I just played hockey.

RH: How are you preparing for the upcoming training camp with the Watertown Privateers?

GD: I am right back at it. I am continuing to train mentally and physically. I am getting bigger, stronger, and faster to meet the physical demands of the FHL. I am honing my skills working with Cosmo Clarke, a Dallas area coach, and professional hockey players, learning as much as possible. My biggest focus is getting into the best shape I possibly can. I need to go into main camp in game shape in order to have a chance at making the cut. The competition will be undoubtedly better and fiercer at main camp than I was previously exposed to at the Syracuse camp.

This weekend, from August 9-11, former Ice Hogs standout Garth Derry is attending the Federal Hockey League’s free agent camp in Syracuse, New York.  Derry’s effort marks the first time in the Razorbacks’ short history that an Ice Hog alum will seek to join the pro ranks.  Derry, a double major, graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  His work in the classroom also earned him a notation on the distinguished Chancellor’s List for Spring 2013.

Derry transferred to the University of Arkansas in 2008 following a season with St. Louis University.  Once at Arkansas, Derry quickly established himself as a gritty two-way forward who also showed a willingness and ability to log time on the blue line.  In fact, during the 2009-10 season when the Razorbacks made their run to Nationals, Derry served primarily as a defenseman who also saw time on the team’s power play and penalty kill units.  Derry showcased his grit and versatility during the 2010-11 season when, after suffering a torn MCL during tryouts, he battled back to earn a top six spot at the forward ranks only to again assume a role on the blueline when injuries plagued the Razorbacks’ defensive corp.

Derry assumed a more stable role as a forward in the following two seasons.  During the 2011-12 season, he logged time as a left wing and consistently earned ice time on the team’s power play and special teams units.  That season, the coaches also selected him to serve as an Assistant Captain.  Then, during the 2012-13 campaign, Derry again skated as a left wing and, in doing so, earned personal career highs in goals, assists, and points.  The Coaching Staff also named Derry co-captain.  Collectively, Derry contributed to 101 program wins, four consecutive regular season conference titles, three SECHC playoff titles, three trips to the South Regional, and a trip to Nationals.

“We are excited for Garth,” said Coach Gallini.  He added:  “it’s also an exciting time for this program.  Garth is breaking new ground and we have every confidence that he’ll represent the team with an extraordinary attitude, compete level, and work ethic.”   In total, Derry will play in five games over three days, after which the league will make offers.  Fans can follow the free agent camp results here (Derry is playing for Team Red).

Welcome to a new Razorback Hockey Series following three of our Seniors during the off-season. Chris Bliss, Communications Assistant for Razorback Hockey, has provided in-depth interviews which give a glimpse into the off-season activities of collegiate hockey players. The first interview in this series highlights Johnny Stromp (91). Johnny has been with the program since the 2009-2010 season after arriving at the University of Arkansas from Plano, TX. Johnny boasts 22 goals and 31 assist in 30 games during the 2012-2013 regular season.

 

Razorback Hockey (RH):  What have you been up to this summer?

Johnny: This summer I have been working, golfing, and playing as much hockey that I have time for.

 

RH: What have you been doing to stay in shape during the off-season?

Johnny : In order to stay in shape I have been playing hockey two to three nights a week, as well as working out occasionally.

 

RH: What is Coach Gallini’s recommendation regarding what part of your game he wants you to work and focus on for next season?

Johnny: He would love for me to become a leader on this team and improve our communication between myself and him.

 

RH: Do you have any personal goals this season for improving your game?

Johnny: I have been trying to stay in game form to give our team the best chance come playoff time.

 

RH: The team has several challenging games.  How do you personally approach these games?

Johnny: I approach every game the same way no matter who the opponent is. The key is to have the confidence in yourself and truly believe you can compete with any guy on the other team.

 

RH: What kind of things do you do to prepare for games?

Johnny: I make sure to eat well and get a good night sleep before game days.

 

RH: What kind of things do you do to unwind after a game?

Johnny: I’m usually so exhausted after a full game that I just relax for a couple hours before doing anything else.

 

RH: Traditionally, hockey players are a superstitious bunch, are you superstitious, and if so, what are some of your superstitions?

Johnny: I don’t believe in those little superstitions. I believe that it takes more than a belief in something nonessential to the game to perform well.

 

RH: You are the SEC-West conference championship for the past four consecutive seasons (09-10, 10-11, 11-12, 12-13).  What would it mean to the team to defend their conference championship this year?

Johnny: At this point it’s just something that we must win because we are the dominant team in the SEC.

 

RH: Most players choose a number to wear that has significance to them (e.g., their favorite player wore it).  Tell us the significance of the number 91 you chose to wear.

Johnny: I wear 91 because Sergei Federov was my favorite player when I was growing up and he wore the number 91.

Welcome to the sixth post in our new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week we sat down to visit with incoming freshman defenseman Jacob Brown.  Jacob is from Bossier City, Louisiana.  After graduating from high school, he continued his hockey career at the junior level playing for the SpaceCoast Hurricanes.

Razorback Hockey (RH):  Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?

Jacob:  I chose the University of Arkansas because I felt it was the best fit for me academically, socially, and athletically. The University has a beautiful campus and I believe will be the perfect fit for my college experience.

RH:  What inspired you to play hockey?

Jacob: When I was five-years-old, my mom married a semi-professional hockey player. I picked up the game from watching him play, and that inspired me to become a hockey player.

RH:  What is your biggest hockey highlight/memory to date?

Jacob:  When I was fourteen, my team won a national championship. I won MVP of the tournament.  It was a surreal feeling I will never forget.

RH:  What is your most recent team?

Jacob:  I played for the SpaceCoast Hurricanes in Florida.

RH:  What is your favorite part of the sport?

Jacob:  My favorite part of playing hockey is having a family outside of your family. Being able to wake up, play the game you love, with twenty-five brothers fighting beside you day in and day out is a bond not many can understand.

RH:  Describe what you think is the strongest part of your game.

Jacob:   I believe the strongest parts of my game are being a play-maker, making things happen all around the ice, and I believe I have a finisher’s touch around the net.

RH:  Tell us about your family — your parents? Your siblings?

Jacob:  My mom and dad divorced when I was five, but I’m blessed to say I have a stepfather who I consider to be a second dad.  “Step” is a very loose term with me.  I have a sixteen-year-old brother and an eight-year-old half brother.

RH:  What are your academic interests?

Jacob:  I want to major in Kinesiology and ultimately get into physical therapy school.  I want to open a private practice for sports-specific injuries in Physical Therapy.

Welcome to the fifth post in our new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week we sat down to visit with incoming freshman defenseman Luke Seibold.  Luke is originally from Kansas, but later moved and played much of his youth hockey with the Dallas Oilers in McKinney, Texas.  After graduating from high school, he continued his hockey career at the junior level playing for the SpaceCoast Hurricanes.

Razorback Hockey (RH):  Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?

Luke:  I chose the University of Arkansas for the education and because many of my friends were going there.  Having the opportunity to finish out my hockey career with my closest friends sounded like the best move for me.

RH:  What inspired you to play hockey?

Luke:  From a young age growing up in Kansas I would go watch the Kansas City Blades in the IHL and the St. Louis Blues.  I fell in love with the sport.

RH:  What is your biggest hockey highlight/memory to date?

Luke:  My biggest highlight I would have to say is my final year of Midget Major with the Alliance Bulldogs when we beat the OHA team from Canada that had beat Shattuck St. Mary’s earlier that year.

RH:  What is your most recent team?

Luke:  I played for the SpaceCoast Hurricanes in Florida.

RH:  What is your favorite part of the sport?

Luke:  My favorite part of the game is the brotherhood and bond between teammates that is formed. This sport is unlike any other sport and no one can understand the bond. Teammates lay their bodies on the line every game for each other and become a family.

RH:  Describe what you think is the strongest part of your game.

Luke:  I am a strong stay at home defenseman and am very physical.

RH:  Tell us about your family — your parents? Your siblings?

Luke:  My family members are by far my biggest supporters.  I have an older sister who has always been a hockey sister.  My little brother is a sophomore in high school who is playing youth hockey in Dallas for the Oilers and McKinney Varsity.  Both of my parents have been there through every heart-breaking game and every celebration after a big win.  They have formed me into who I am today.

RH:  What are your academic interests?

Luke:  I am hoping to major in Finance and Marketing

Check back next week and get to know another member of our incoming 2013-14 recruiting class.

Welcome to the fourth post in our new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week we sat down with incoming freshman defenseman Brandon Van Rooyen and asked him a few questions.  Brandon is originally from Murphy, Texas, where he played for a Dallas Stars 18U AAA team that secured a Texas State Championship in the 2012-13 season and fell just short of a regional championship—losing a tight 2-1 affair in the closing thirty seconds of regulation time against the Colorado Thunderbirds.  Brandon has played on five state championship teams and previously played under Associate Head Coach Rick Desjardins while a member of the Dallas Storm.

Razorback Hockey (RH):  Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?

Brandon: I chose the University of Arkansas for two reasons.  I instantly fell in love with the campus.  It really made me feel like I could be successful and enjoy my next four years.  I didn’t know if I wanted to play hockey or not but after talking to Coach Gallini and some of the players I felt that the Razorback Hockey family was one I had to be a part of.  Academically I chose the University of Arkansas because the Walton School of Business is ranked in the top 25 Public Business Colleges in the country.  I feel that being part a part of that school is going to allow me the opportunity to network with many important and influential people in the business world.

RH:  What inspired you to play hockey?

Brandon:  My father has always been my inspiration with regard to hockey.  My dad played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League as well as the Western Hockey League. In 1986/87, he won the Memorial Cup with the Medicine Hat Tigers.  He then signed with the Montreal Canadians as a free agent and finished his career playing in Europe.

RH:  What is your biggest hockey highlight/memory?

Brandon: My biggest memory would have to be advancing to the National Championships my U16 year with the Dallas Stars Elite.  That game went into triple OT against the Colorado Thunderbirds.  Winning that game will be an experience that I will never forget.

RH:  What is your most recent team?

Brandon:  My most recent team is the Dallas Stars U18 coached by Coach [Adam] Robbins.

RH:  What is your favorite part of the sport?

Brandon:  My favorite part of the sport would definitely be playing in a game that is so close that every second of every shift matters.  The anticipation of every play and pass is an amazing adrenaline rush.

RH:  Describe what you think is the strongest part of your game.

Brandon:  The strongest part of my game is my defensive mindset.  I am a defensive defenseman.  I am smart in my own zone and love playing one-on-one against opposing forwards.  Being smart in my zone and never getting out of position is my strong point.

RH:  Tell us about your family – your parents?  Your siblings?

Brandon:  My parents (Keith & Lesley) both live in Murphy, Texas, with my little sister (Lindsay) who is sixteen and a junior at Plano East High School.  My dad works as a Director of Sales for Air Liquide America and my mom is a Registered Nurse at Baylor Medical Center at Frisco.

RH:  What is your academic interests?

Brandon:  My goal is the get a degree is business, majoring in finance and minoring in sports management.  Looking ahead, I would love to be a part of the business side of sports.

Check back next week and get to know another member of our incoming 2013-14 recruiting class.