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

 

The 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.

The 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

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

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 the 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.

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).

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

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.

The 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.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Alec Morris has formally committed to transfer from Marian University (NCAA) to play at Arkansas.  A 6’1″ 215 lb. right-handed forward/defenseman from Olive Branch, Mississippi, Morris becomes the second NCAA player to transfer to Arkansas in the last six months (the other being current Razorback Tobias Sjolund).

Prior to his time at Marian, Morris played defense for SUNY Broomfield where he earned NJCAA Second All-Team Defenseman.  Morris has also assembled a substantial junior career, which included stops with the Atlanta Knights (USPHL Elite) and the Marquette Royals (MnJHL).

During his 14-15 season with the Royals, Morris served as assistant captain and helped lead the team to a league championship.  Reflecting on his time coaching Alec, then Royals Head Coach Jim Stanaway said, “Alec is one of the hardest working players I have coached. His work ethic is only trumped by his outstanding attitude. Alec will immediately impact the Arkansas organization on and off the ice.”

About his decision to transfer to Arkansas, Morris commented, “I chose the University of Arkansas because the hockey program is run exceptionally well and pushes players to become their best.”  He added, “I have always sought a program that pushes players not only in the sport itself, but also academically and has zero tolerance for slacking off. It is hard to find a program that pushes players in all areas and I believe the University of Arkansas is that program.”

Morris becomes the thirteenth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that now has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California).  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)
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.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Bryan Danahy has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 6’3″ 195 lb. left-handed defenseman from Abington, Massachusetts, Danany recently completed his season with the Abington Green Wave where he earned the Seventh Player Award.

Danahy, the brother of Division I returning goaltender Sean Danahy, commented, “I chose the Razorback Hockey program after hearing about the success and growth of the program from my brother.”  He added, “I have also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with some of the other players and look forward to joining the Razorbacks next season.”

The Danahy brothers will become the third pair of brothers to play for the Razorbacks.  The Derry brothers–Garth and Bryce–played together during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons and the Mudgett brothers–Forest and Preston–recently completed their three season run together (2013-16).

Danahy becomes the twelfth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that now has nine different states represented (Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California).  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)
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)
G-Nick Bretzger (WSHL, Springfield Express)
G-Michael Moore (USPHL, Chicago Cougars)

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.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Nick Bretzger has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 5’9″ 160 lb. goaltender from Rockaway, New Jersey, Bretzger recently completed his season with the WSHL Springfield Express.  A 1995 birth year, Bretzger was named team MVP for the Express this season after posting a 3.32 GAA and 0.911 save percentage.  Bretzger finished the season in the top ten league-wide for games played (47), shots faced (1489), and wins (23).

Jeremy Law, Head Coach for the Express, commented, “I was so pleased Nick decided to attend the University of Arkansas. It’s a great school and has an exceptional hockey program that continues to grow and improve every season. I have no doubt that Nick will be successful both on and off the ice.”

Prior to his time with the Express, Bretzger played in 34 games for the Tahoe Icemen of the WSHL where he faced a league high 1612 shots.  He also logged time during his substantial junior career in the NPHL and the USPHL.  Twice invited as a National USA Hockey Festival goaltender, the invite-only process by which USA Hockey identifies who will represent the US at national and international levels, Bretzger was also twice named MVP of his high school, St. Peter’s Prep.

Said Bretzger, “the hockey program is run in such a professional way. The way Coach Gallini runs his practices gets the best out of his players, and he expects them to compete one-hundred percent on every drill. The program will allow me to develop into a better and more experienced goalie.”  About the University more generally, Bretzger added, “I quickly fell in love with the campus and Fayetteville.  I am very excited to start my college hockey career with the Razorbacks.”

Bretzger becomes the tenth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that now has seven different states represented (Texas, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California).  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)
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)

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.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Ben Koester has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 5’8″ 175 lb. forward from Appleton, Wisconsin, Koester recently completed his season with the NA3HL Rochester Ice Hawks after starting out the 15-16 campaign with the Peoria Mustangs.  A 1995 birth year, Koester spent the 14-15 season in the MnJHL–splitting time with the Dells Ducks and Maple Grove Energy.

Prior to his junior hockey career, Koester during high school played for three years on the Appleton United Varsity Men’s Hockey team while also playing in the Wisconsin Elite Hockey League (WEHL), a Tier II AAA program.  He served as Assistant Captain of his 2014 varsity squad while likewise earning the Unsung Hero Award.

Said Koester, “I chose to attend the University of Arkansas as it gives me the best opportunity to obtain a high quality education, while also being given the opportunity to continue my hockey career at a high level.”  He added, “[w]hen I visited campus and met with the coaching staff and players, I immediately felt like I was a part of their family. The team is run like a professional organization and has grown a tremendously over the last year alone. I am excited to help contribute to the program’s success in any way that I can as we pursue a National Championship.”

Koester becomes the ninth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that now has six different states represented (Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California).  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)
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)

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 early summer.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.