Razorbacks Off to Hot Start

The Arkansas Razorbacks(2-0) got off to a hot start on the shortened 2020-21 season, sweeping Missouri State University(0-2) on home ice. Kevin LaPlante got the scoring started on Friday for the Hogs half way through the first period, with assists from Cameron McAtee and Chris Salmon. On the same shift, LaPlante would score again on a 2-on-1, with assists from Dakota Gottlieb and Michael Ellis. Missouri State would close out the period with a goal, cutting the Hogs lead in half. But Arkansas would start the second period with a power play goal from McAtee, off assists from Griffin Sugasawara and Zach Wilson. The same trio hooked up early in the 3rd period for another goal, this time with Sugasawara being the goal-scorer. Missouri State would attempt to climb back into the game with a goal of their own, before Zach Riley would record two goals to finish off the Ice Bears 6-2. Jozef Dusenka stood tall in net, stopping 20 of 22 shots to collect the win.

In game number two, Sugasawara got the scoring started, with assists to Salmon and Jordan Deskeere. Missouri State would tie the game in the 2nd period, but Sugasawara would gain the lead back just 16 seconds later with a deflection on a LaPlante point shot. Going into the 3rd period with a 2-1 lead, Arkansas would gain an insurance goal when Brad Estrada assisted on a Michael Ellis goal. Trevor McLain put Missouri State away with a shorthanded breakaway goal off an assist from McAtee. Dusenka played another strong game, stopping 20 of 21 shots for his second win of the season.

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s thirteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule can be viewed here. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.

Razorback Hockey Season Preview

Arkansas Razorback hockey returns to the ice this Friday, January 22nd at The Jones Center. This will be the first game in 349 days for the Hogs as they face the Missouri State University Ice Bears. Temperature checks, masks, and social distancing will be mandatory and enforced. Seating will be limited to 100 fans. Fans are encouraged to watch the game on our free livestream by going to Razorback Hockey or searching Razorback Hockey on YouTube. The 2019-20 season saw the Razorbacks finish with a 32-4 record, the most wins in program history, and a #1 ranking in the Pacific Region.

New Faces Add to a Solid Foundation of Returning Players

Arkansas returns 19 players from last year’s record-setting roster. The leadership group is headlined by captain Grant Deacon and assistant captains Zach Riley, Zach Wilson, and Jake Sharrer. Most notable returners are 2019-20 Pacific Region First-Team selections goalie Jozef Dusenka and defenseman Cameron McAtee, as well as Second-Team defenseman Dylan Odelein. In addition, Griffin Sugasawara returns after back-to-back seasons of over a point per game. The Hogs have also added NCAA D3 transfer Brad Estrada, St. Louis-native Kyle Crews, Texas Roadrunner alumni Blake Elliott and Trevor Borlace, Dallas defenseman Matthew Butler, Minnesota defenseman Pavel Salter, and Dallas goaltender Sam Haynes. In total, the Razorbacks represent 3 different countries and 7 different states.

Rivalries Headline Shortened Schedule

After a switch from the SECHC to the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association, fans will be treated to many high-intensity rivalry games. The Hogs open with Missouri State at home on January 22nd and 23rd. Arkansas swept MSU in 2019-20 by a combined score of 21-4 in 4 games. On January 29th and 30th, Arkansas welcomes conference rival Dallas Baptist University. The Hogs posted 7-1 and 7-2 wins against DBU last season. The Hogs then hit the road for Springfield, MO for two-games against Missouri State on February 5th and 6th. After a couple weeks off, Arkansas will be traveling to Lincoln, NE on February 26th and 27th against conference rival University of Nebraska. The Hogs swept Nebraska on home ice last season 6-3 and 5-2. Arkansas will then travel south to Dallas, TX the following week to play DBU on March 5th and 6th. The Razorbacks will return home to face Maryville University on March 12th and 13th. This will be the first matchup between the two programs. Arkansas will have a return visit from Nebraska to The Jones Center on March 19th and 20th. Arkansas will round out it’s regular season with a trip to St. Louis to take part in a showcase hosted by Maryville on April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Opponents for the showcase are still to be determined. The 2021 ACHA National Tournament is slated to take place April 15th-20th, the location is yet to be determined.

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s thirteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule can be viewed here. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.

University of Arkansas Hockey Announces Spring 2021 Schedule

The University of Arkansas hockey team has announced the schedule for Spring 2021. Due to the restrictions and regulations related to COVID-19, the team will play a shortened season between January and April 2021. The schedule includes home and road games against Missouri State University, Dallas Baptist University,  University of Nebraska, and Maryville University (Division II). The season opener is scheduled on January 22 (Friday) at 7:30 PM at the Jones Center against MACHA conference opponent Missouri State University. Detailed schedule can be found at the schedule page. The final schedule is pending approval from the University of Arkansas due to university COVID regulations.

University of Arkansas Hockey Announces Departure from SECHC to the MACHA

The University of Arkansas hockey team would like to take this opportunity to announce that we have withdrawn our membership from the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference and have accepted an offer to join the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association starting with the 2020-21 season.

On August 23rd, the SECHC announced it would be leaving the American Collegiate Hockey Association for the College Hockey Federation. While we understood that this move was in the best interest of the majority of the conference’s members, our program leadership felt that it was not in our player’s and program’s best interest. After much thought and discussion, we have accepted an invitation to join the MACHA. This move allows us to maintain our status as a member of the ACHA. We wish the SECHC and its members continued success and growth as they begin a new journey. We are also very excited to embark on our own new journey as a member of the MACHA.

This is a historic day in the program’s history, as the Razorbacks have been a part of the SECHC since the conference’s inaugural season in 2008-09. Over 12 seasons, the Hogs compiled a 100-21-1 record against SECHC opponents and a record six SECHC Championships.

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s thirteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule will be released shortly. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.

University of Arkansas Hockey Announces Postponement of Fall Schedule

FAYETTEVILLE, AR (August 13th, 2020) – The University of Arkansas hockey team regrets to announce that we will be postponing all Fall 2020 games effective immediately. While we were extremely excited and hopeful to be playing hockey again, we feel that this decision is in the best interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, and fans.

We are hopeful that we can begin play in January 2021 and defend our 2019-20 program record of 32 wins and #1 ranking. In the coming months, we plan to begin team practices in accordance with the Arkansas Department of Health and University of Arkansas UREC policies. We look forward to interacting with our fans in new ways and keeping you updated on exciting new developments. Thank you for your support and we can’t wait to be playing in front of the best fans in the ACHA at The Jones Center in the new year.

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s fourteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule will be released shortly. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.

Trevor Borlace signs with Arkansas

The Razorback hockey team is pleased to announce that F-Trevor Borlace has committed to the University of Arkansas. The 5’11” 209lbs. right-shooting forward recently completed his junior career with the Texas Roadrunners of the NA3HL.

Trevor Borlace, a Negaunee, MI native, comes to Arkansas after a junior career with the Ironwood Yoopers, Dallas Snipers, and his final two seasons with the College Station Spirit/Texas Roadrunners. In his final season, Borlace recorded 20 goals and 22 assists in 45 games. He also holds the current Roadrunners’ franchise record for most goals in a career. Over his 4-year junior career, Borlace posted 58 goals and 57 assists in 154 games.

Borlace will be majoring in Business and minoring in Marketing starting this fall. His love for the game started at a young age playing on the ponds of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and grew as he started to play competitively. “The University of Arkansas is best suited for me as an athlete. No matter where I move to play, my family has always supported me and the sport I love playing.”

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s fourteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule will be released shortly. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Blake Elliott commits to Arkansas

The Razorback hockey team is pleased to announce that F-Blake Elliott has committed to the University of Arkansas. The 5’10” 170lbs. right-shooting forward recently completed his junior career with the Texas Roadrunners of the NA3HL.

Blake Elliott, a Sugar Land, TX native, comes to Arkansas after a 4-year junior career with the College Station Spirit/Texas Roadrunners, Dallas Snipers, and Louisiana Drillers. In his final junior season with the Roadrunners, Elliott totaled 8 goals and 13 assists in 45 games. In his 4 years of junior hockey, Elliott recorded 26 goals and 33 assists in 156 games.

Elliott will be studying business marketing when school starts in the fall. “I decided to come to the University of Arkansas because I have heard nothing but great things about the school as well as the hockey program. I met Coach Falls at the NA3HL showcase 2 years ago and have been in touch with him ever since. Hockey has always been very special to me; I started playing at 3 years old and have never fell in love with any other sport like I did with hockey. Being able to get the opportunity to play for the University of Arkansas is a blessing and I can’t wait for the next four years.“

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s fourteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule will be released shortly. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Razorbacks add NCAA transfer Bradley Estrada

The Razorback hockey team is excited to announce that F-Bradley Estrada has committed to the University of Arkansas. The 5’10” 174lbs. left-shooting forward recently completed his freshman season with NCAA DIII Northland College.

Estrada, a native of Chino Hills, CA, comes to Arkansas after one season of NCAA hockey and a notable junior career. Estrada grew up playing in several excellent AAA youth organizations like the LA Selects AAA and Omaha Lancers AAA. He started his junior career playing two seasons with the Helena Bighorns of the NA3HL, before playing Junior A in Canada with the Navan Grads and Dauphin Kings. He played his final season of junior hockey with the Valley Junior Warriors of the EHL before heading to Northland College.

“Ever since I could walk I have been in love with hockey. The sport has not only taught me lessons on the ice but also off the ice. In return it has helped me shape into the man I am today. Three years ago my sister committed to the University of Arkansas for softball… over time, I fell in love with the idea of becoming a Razorback and going to school with my sister for a few years.” Estrada will be majoring in Marketing at Arkansas this fall. “I cannot wait to start a new chapter as an Arkansas Razorback.”

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey team plays in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference. The 2020-21 season will be the team’s fourteenth season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division III. The team’s schedule will be released shortly. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Saying goodbye–a look back at six seniors

Senior Bio: Alex Kueser

Senior center and captain Alex Kueser was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He started playing hockey at three years old and was a member of the Chesterfield Falcons youth hockey organization. After four years with the Razorbacks, Kueser compiled 80 goals and 79 assists for a total of 159 points in 103 games. Kueser was also named a 2020 ACHA Academic All-American. Talking about his time playing for the Hogs, Kueser said, ”Throughout my time on the team, I made a lot of memories from winning SEC’s, to going undefeated at nationals, and all the good times with the boys.” Kueser and fellow senior Razorback Evan Kerr played together all four years and were inseparable for the final two years. Kerr said about Kueser, “He’s a really hard worker who never runs out of energy. He understands the game really well so he knows where he needs to be all the time and can finish a play if he gets the puck.”

Kueser graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace and a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, Kueser plans to move back to St. Louis and get a job in either aerospace or mechanical engineering and continue playing hockey.

Senior Bio: Chris Stovall

Senior center and assistant captain Chris Stovall. Stovall, who is from Grapevine, Texas, played four years for the Razorbacks, wearing the ‘A’ in both his Junior and Senior years. Over 138 games in a Razorback uniform, Stovall totaled 49 goals and 76 assists for 125 points. Majoring in communications, Stovall hopes to work in sports sales in the future.

Stovall said, “In my experience at Arkansas, I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of this program for 4 years. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Throughout that time I learned many life lessons as well. I want to thank the boys and the coaching staff for letting me be a part of it. They have been right by my side throughout it all. Being a part of this program is something that I take tremendous pride in. And at the end of the day I am proud to say I am an Arkansas Razorback.” Growing up together in Grapevine, TX, fellow Razorback and senior Shaun Foster has shared many memories with Stovall. “He always had such a fiery passion for the game at such a young age. Once we became teammates I saw that passion was still alive and well. Being teammates felt surreal and I’m glad that we both had the opportunity to play hockey again. I am extremely grateful and forever thankful to have a brother like him,” Foster said.

Senior Bio: Evan Kerr

Evan Kerr is a senior right winger from Little Rock, AR who started playing hockey when he was 3 years old. Kerr played on various AAA and AA teams in the south. After graduating high school, Kerr came to the University of Arkansas where he was a part of the hockey team for 5 years. In 117 games in a Razorback jersey, Kerr recorded 83 goals and 92 assists for a total of 175 points. Kerr is graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, Kerr plans on moving back to Little Rock to find a job in mechanical engineering.

“Since joining the team, I have made many life-long friendships and memories that will stick with me forever.” Alex Kueser spoke about his fellow linemate saying, “He’s easy to play with and has a strong passion for the game. He’s a very selfless player and makes his teammates better on and off the ice. He’s a good leader and will do whatever it takes to win in all circumstances. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with.”

Senior Bio: Shaun Foster

Shaun Foster is a senior defenseman from Grapevine, Texas.  Foster majored in management and minored in analytics while playing 3 season for the Razorbacks. Through 96 games as a Razorback, Foster scored 10 goals and had 16 assists while being named an assistant captain his Junior and Senior year. Following graduation, Foster plans to remain in Fayetteville.

Speaking about his time as a Razorback, Foster said, “Having the opportunity to restart my hockey career has been a wonderful experience. I am so thankful for being able to complete my education here at the University of Arkansas while playing hockey for an organization that continues to develop individuals preparing them for anything that the world may throw at them. My first two seasons with the Razorbacks were not glamorous but I still appreciated being able to put on a hockey jersey. I really am going to miss this group of guys a lot.”

A longtime friend, Chris Stovall had great things to say about his fellow senior Razorback. “I’ve been fortunate to know Shaun for over 10 years now. Hockey wise, I don’t think he gets enough credit. You know night it and night out that it’s going to be an uphill battle because he’s going to be in your face making you earn everything and if you do, he’ll bury you. Not really known for his offensive prowess, but he is certainly a huge presence on that blue line that will be sorely missed.

Hockey aside, Shaun is a great human being. He treats everyone with respect and includes everyone in anything he does, especially when it comes to the team. He is a tremendous leader and is one of the most caring people I’ve ever been around. Shaun comes from a great family whom I’ve known for most of my life – some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I had the privilege of playing with his brother Dalton earlier in my career and I’m fortunate I got to play my college years with Shaun.”

Senior Bio: Dominic de la Guardia

Dominic de la Guardia is a senior defenseman from Flower Mound, TX. De la Guardia is graduating with a degree in Supply Chain Management (Logistics and Transportation Concentration) and minoring in Marketing and Enterprise Resource Planning. After graduation, de la Guardia and his dog Bauer will be moving to Chicago where he will be working for Coyote Logistics, a third-party logistics company owned by UPS.

De la Guardia grew up playing for multiple travel hockey organizations in the DFW area, including the Dallas Ice Jets, Texas Attack, and Texas Tornado. He then played 4 years of junior hockey before coming to the University of Arkansas. A strong stay-at-home defenseman in his four seasons as a Razorback, he recorded 4 goals and 13 assists in 103 games. “What I’ll miss the most about playing for the U of A is just being with the boys on and off the ice.” Former Razorback and roommate, Cory Delisle, said about de la Guardia, “He likes to travel and enjoys breweries. Also makes an unreal margarita mix.”

Senior Bio: Alex DeGuire

Alex DeGuire is a senior defenseman from Overland Park, Kansas. He started playing hockey in Little Rock, Arkansas when he was 6 years old. In 2008 he moved to Overland Park, KS where he played for Russell Stover and the Kansas City Jets. After playing one year for the Skipjacks Hockey Club in Baltimore, he came to Arkansas and played four seasons for the Razorbacks. Deguire battled through injuries in his first two seasons, however he managed to record 12 goals and 22 assists in 113 games. A major in Criminology and Sociology, after graduation DeGuire plans on pursuing a career in law enforcement in the Kansas City area.

“I’ve made a lot of good memories and met a lot of amazing people,” DeGuire said about his time in Fayetteville. Former teammate of DeGuire’s, Corey Rees said about him, “I loved playing with Degs, definitely one of the greatest guys I’ve ever played with. He was a band-aid, but when he wasn’t injured, he was fun to watch.”

2020 ACHA National Tournament in Frisco, TX Canceled

We regret to announce that, out of an abundance of caution due to public health concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the American Collegiate Hockey Association has decided to cancel the 2020 ACHA National Tournament scheduled for March 19-29. The decision comes after consulting with the city of Frisco and the Dallas Stars, and following the precedent of USAHockey and the NHL. You can read the full ACHA press release here.

After a record-setting season, the Razorbacks finish with a 32-4-0 record and a #1 ranking in the Pacific Region. Please follow our off-season developments, including a highlight web series that features our graduating seniors:

Alex DeGuire
Dom de la Guardia
Shaun Foster
Evan Kerr
Alex Kueser
Chris Stovall

As always, we greatly appreciate your unwavering support and look forward to proudly representing the University of Arkansas in the 2020-21 season.