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.

Welcome to the third post in our new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week, we sat down with incoming freshman forward James Haddock.  James is originally from Arlington, Texas, but comes to Arkansas via the Tilton School in New Hampshire where he spent a post-graduate year.  He completed his high school education at Nolan Catholic High School while playing his youth hockey for the Dallas Oilers.

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

James:  A lot of my friends go there and they persuaded me that the school and academics are very good.

RH: What inspired you to play hockey?

James:  The Dallas Stars winning the Stanley Cup in 1999.

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

James:  Winning a National Championship with the Dallas Oilers.

RH: What is your most recent team?

James:  Tilton Rams.

RH: What is your favorite part of the sport?

James:  Winning.

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

James:  My speed and hockey sense.

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

James:  My mom is a loving and caring mom. My dad has made me who I am today.  My step-dad pushes me and inspires me to be a great player and person.

RH: What are your academic interests?

James:  Engineering as of right now.

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

 

 

Welcome to the second post in a series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week, we sat down with incoming sophomore transfer forward, Michael Tallo.  Michael is from McKinney, Texas, and transferred to Arkansas from Franklin Pierce University (NCAA Division II).  While at FPU playing for the Ravens, Michael saw time in nine games during which he notched a goal and an assist.  Off the ice, he earned a spot on the Dean’s List.

Prior to enrolling at FPU, Michael played in the Western States Hockey League for the Southern Oregon Spartans where, during the 2011-12 season, he registered 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.  Before his time in the WSHL, Michael played his youth hockey in the Alliance Bulldog program.

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

Michael:  I chose the University of Arkansas because I wanted to have fun at school but also play a high level of hockey.

RH: What inspired you to play hockey?

Michael: Going to Dallas Stars games when I was younger really inspired me to start playing hockey.

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

Michael:  Winning the league championship with the Southern Oregon Spartans.

RH: What is your most recent team?

Michael: Last year I played for Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire.

RH: What is your favorite part of the sport?

Michael:  I enjoy every aspect of the game, but mostly I love to win. Hockey is very a very unique sport and I love that about it.

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

Michael: I’ve never really been a flashy player. I have good speed and I work hard; those are my two biggest strengths.

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

Michael: My mother Kelly and my father Jeff both live in McKinney, Texas along with my 17 year old brother, Matt, who also plays hockey for McKinney High School.

RH: What are your academic interests?

Michael: I’ve been accepted into the business school and plan to major in Marketing.

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

Welcome to the first post in a new series featuring the 2013-14 Razorback hockey recruiting class.  This week we sat down with incoming freshman forward Matt Robinson and asked him a few questions.  Matt is originally from Plano, Texas, and has accrued an accomplished and diverse playing career before arriving at Arkansas.  Among his other accomplishments, Matt’s 2010 Tier 2 Dallas Ice Jets team won the USA Hockey 18u National Championship and he earned two Texas State Championships with the 2009 16u Dallas Stars program and the 2011 18u Dallas Stars program.  He has since continued his playing career in juniors at the AJHL and NAHL levels.

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

Matt:  I decided to attend the University of Arkansas because it will give me the opportunity to get the “big school” experience while also being able to play a good level of hockey, with players that have a common goal of winning a National Championship. After visiting and declining offers from a few NCAA Division III schools, I visited Fayetteville and instantly felt like a part of the team. Also after meeting Coach Gallini I felt like he has similar goals and aspirations for the team that I have. All around it just felt like a place I not only would enjoy playing hockey, but also enjoy the overall school atmosphere when hockey season wasn’t in session.

RH:  What inspired you to play hockey?

Matt:  I decided to play hockey from a young age because of the fast-paced, competitive nature of the game.  Watching the Dallas Stars win the Stanley Cup in 1999, and watching the players celebrate with such excitement, I knew it was the sport for me. The whole atmosphere on the ice was just something that I grew to love.

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

Matt:  The best hockey memory for me would either be winning the 18u National Championship in 2010, or scoring my first junior hockey goal at the NAHL showcase in Blaine, MN.

RH: What is your most recent team?

Matt:  I just aged out of junior hockey as a Wichita Falls Wildcat in the NAHL.

RH:  What is your favorite part of the sport?

Matt:  My favorite part of the game would have to be the feeling of making a big play in a close back and forth type of game. Whether it’s scoring a goal or having a big hit that gets your team going, the adrenaline in those close games is something I can’t compare to anything else.

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

Matt:  I think the strong point in my game is definitely my speed. I like to use my speed to beat defensemen wide, and also use my speed and size in combination to forecheck hard and create big hits. I also have always been able to score goals on a pretty regular basis.

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

Matt:  My parents (Kelly and Andrew Robinson) still reside in Plano, Texas, with my little brother, Ryan (age 11). My 24 year old brother Andrew lives in Dallas. My dad and brother both work in Sports Marketing, while my mom is a real estate agent. My little brother plays for the Dallas Stars AAA elite 2001 team, and will be entering 6th grade in the fall.

RH:  What are your academic interests?

Matt:  My current plan is to study business, more specifically marketing.

Be sure to check back next week and meet another member of our incoming class!