1. What plans do you have for the summer?   

I am enrolled in classes here at the university. Other than that, I plan to work at chipotle and also work to stay in shape for the upcoming season.

       2. What are doing to stay in shape during the offseason? 

Anything I have time for. I like to get my strength training in on a daily basis and also play around, whether its soccer, volleyball, or anything else I can do to stay active.

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

He and I talked about improving my work ethic on and off the ice. This is something I have been working on and focusing on since the season ended.

4.   Do you have any personal goals this season for improving your game?

I want to improve my lower body strength and increase my flexibility. This will help my over-all game.

      5.   The team has several games against competition which will be a step up in class, how do you personally approach these games? 

I approach all games the same no matter the situation.

      6.   What kind of things do you do to prepare for games? 

I like to tune everything else out of my life via music. When I step on the ice I truly believe I am the most optimistic and positive person on the ice.

7.   What kind of things do you do to unwind after a game?  

I like to kickback in a social environment with the team. It’s relax-and-reflect time after the game.

      8.   Traditionally, hockey players like routine and prepare for games in a ritualistic manner, some are superstitious. Do you follow a routine before a game, and are you superstitious, and if so, what are some of your routines and habits? 

I am not very superstitious, but I do pray before every period.

      9.   Which player on the Team do you notice that follows a rigid routine?

Ryan Machos has an interesting pre-game routine.

   10.  The Razorbacks are the SEC-West defending conference champions for the past four consecutive seasons. What would it mean to the team to defend the championship this year?

I think winning the SEC championship is expected of us.

    11.   Most players choose a number to wear that has significance to them. Tell us the significance of the number you choose to wear?

The number 1 has no significance to me. What’s on the front of the jersey is what matters.

Spencer Mulgrew

Wednesday, 06.25.2014 / Press Release

Michael Ensminger  – Arkansas Razorback Hockey

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The RAZORBACKS today announced their 2014-15 schedule for the team’s 8th season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The schedule features a fan-friendly home slate of 24 weekend games at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Fresh off an SECHC Championship and the most successful National Tournament berth in Razorback Hockey history, the Razorbacks are already looking ahead to a fierce 37 game schedule. The regular season begins with an exciting September lineup that starts on Opening Night with a matchup against Metropolitan State University of Denver on Friday, Sept. 12 & Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Jones Center. The Razorbacks begin their second campaign in the Pacific Region with two-straight weekends in Springdale—the second of which features SEC rival, Auburn Tigers. The Razorbacks will host Division 1 opponent Midland University on Oct. 24 & 25 at the Jones Center.

Highlights throughout the remainder of the season include a Halloween series against Colorado State on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at the Jones Center followed by a pair of games against Missouri State on Nov. 14 & 25 and Nebraska on Dec. 5 & 6 to round out 2014.

The Razorbacks’ schedule also includes a lengthy homestand throughout the months of January and February. Beginning on Jan. 17, 2015, the Hogs will play 6 games at the Jones Center leading up to the SEC playoffs in Pelham, AL where the program looks to win its 5^th SECHC Championship.  Arkansas also will conclude the 2014-15 campaign against the Jayhawks from Kansas.

Single game tickets for the 2014-15 regular season can be purchased at the Jones Center. Please visit here for more information.

Name: Jesse Foskey

Age: 18

Hometown: Southlake, TX

Major: Arts and Sciences

 1.     How long have you played organized Hockey?

I started playing hockey when I was 3 years old in Houston, Texas after  my family relocated to Houston from Michigan in 1999. It just so happened to be the hottest winter Houston had in years, so my mom took me to the nearest hockey rink to cool off and I have been playing hockey ever since.

 2.     What was the name of the last Team you played with?

I was drafted to the Corpus Christi Ice Rays in the NAHL last season and later went to finish the season with the Brahmas Junior A team coached by Jeremey Law. The team played in the WSHL and made it to the Thorne Cup which hasn’t happened in 5 years.

3.     What position do you play?

I started playing defense when I was very young. My mite coach introduced me to this position because I was the only one on my team who could skate backwards, able to read the ice, and was not concerned about stepping in front of moving pucks.  Fourteen years later, I still love playing defense.

4.       What are you doing to prepare for the season? 

During a hockey season it is very hard to gain weight due to all the hours of ice training. All you can do is focus on maintaining your current weight. Therefore, off season I hit the gym hard and eat constantly to make the necessary gains for the upcoming season.

 5.     What is Coach Gallini’s recommendation regarding the part of your game he wants you to work and focus on?  

Coach Gallini and I have not personally talked about his recommendations for me but when we do, I will work hard to achieve the goals he has set for me and hopefully will supersede his expectations.

 6.     Do you have any personal goals this season?

   My goal is to be all I can be, bring all that I can for the good of the team and for the community, and hopefully win a national championship.

7.     What kind of things do you do to prepare for games? 

I like to be with the team mostly and get a good stretch and warm up, listen to music, get dressed, then usually sit in my stall and listen to music and mentally prepare myself so I can focus for the challenge ahead.

8.     What kind of things do you do to unwind after a game?  

I unwind after a game in a traditional way. I usually have a good meal, take an ice bath to refresh my legs, and later rest up for the next game.

9.     Traditionally, hockey players like routine and prepare for games in a ritualistic manner, some are superstitious. Do you follow a routine before a game, are you superstitious, and if so, what are some of your routines and habits? 

I am not a very superstitious person, and my routine is very basic. I try to make sure that I’m hydrated, have a good night rest, and ready both mentally and physically for the game. I also highly value a good pre-game meal in order to say energized throughout the game.

 10.    Most players choose a number to wear that has significance to them. Tell us the significance of the number you choose to wear?

My number is 28 and it is significant to me because I have worn that number since I have started playing hockey, it is the only number I would choose to wear.

11.       Who are your biggest fans?

My biggest fans would have to be my family, who have pushed me my entire life to be and preform to the best of my potential. They have been by my side ever since I first took the ice and they have always supported me and my dreams.

12.      Do you have a favorite NHL Team? Player?

My favorite team is the Detroit Red Wings and my favorite player is Nicklas Lidström.  I grew up watching the Wings from Joe Louis Arena and I have watched Nicklas play ever since I can remember. He is an inspiration for defensemen everywhere and I feel fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to watch his career flourish as I’ve grown up.

Meet the Recruits- We will be running a series for our new additions to the club this summer.

Meet Landyn Howze. Landyn is 21 years old and hails from Keller, Texas. He is majoring in Business Management.  Let’s Welcome Landyn to Razorback Hockey!  We asked Landyn some Hockey questions.

Razorback Hockey: How long have you played organized Hockey?
Landyn: I’ve been playing hockey for 17 years, joined my first league team at 4 years old.

Razorback Hockey: What was the name of the last Team you played with?
Landyn: Texas Brahmas of the WSHL.

Razorback Hockey: What position do you play?
Landyn: Right Wing/Center

Razorback Hockey: What are you doing to prepare for the season?
Landyn: I stay on a strict on/off ice workout regiment that keeps me in preparation for the upcoming season.

Razorback Hockey: What is Coach Gallini’s recommendation regarding the part of your game he wants you to work and focus on?
Landyn: I have yet to have a personal player/coach conversation about that yet.

Razorback Hockey: Do you have any personal goals this season?
Landyn: I just want to excel and progress not only as a player but an individual and simply be the best I can be as a student in the classroom and a player on the ice.

Razorback Hockey: What kind of things do you do to prepare for games?
Landyn: I like to stay loose before games. Play sewer ball with the boys and just listen to music. Keep it simple and not over think too much.

Razorback Hockey: What kind of things do you do to unwind after a game?
Landyn: I like to take an ice bath right after a game then get a good meal in me and just relax and let the body heal its self.

Razorback Hockey: Traditionally, hockey players like routine and prepare for games in a ritualistic manner, some are superstitious. Do you follow a routine before a game, are you superstitious, and if so, what are some of your routines and habits?
Landyn: I’d say I’m not very superstitious but I’m very routine. Game days I like to wake up and get a good breakfast in me then go to my morning skate, come home, take a nap, wake up, eat my pre game meal, then head to the rink two hours before game time.

Razorback Hockey: Most players choose a number to wear that has significance to them. Tell us the significance of the number you choose to wear?
Landyn: I choose to wear the number 12 simply because it was the number my dad wore. Ever since I can remember it has been my number and it stuck.

Razorback Hockey: Who are your biggest fans?
Landyn: By far my family, I’m so grateful to have such awesome loving parents that support me in anything I do. I wouldn’t be here without them! Besides family, Bailey Heitman. Hands down the best fan I ever had playing junior hockey.

Razorback Hockey: Do you have a favorite NHL Team? Player?
Landyn: Growing up in Texas how could the Dallas Stars not be my favorite team along with Jamie Benn being my favorite player. Guy is just a complete package forward. Brings physicality, scores, and is a play maker.

The Razorback Hockey team is excited to announce that a generous group of Hog fans from WooPig.net are organizing a team fundraising golf tournament on April 26.

Where: Red Apple Inn & Country Club, 305  Club Rd, Heber Springs, AR, 72543 (http://www.redappleinn.com/info.html)
Format: Scramble (4 person teams)
When: Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at 1 pm

Team or individual registration remains open and more details are available here and here.   After the tournament, there will be an awards banquet where pro shop gift certificates, woopig gear, game used/worn hockey apparel, and golf clubs will be given away as prizes.  Each attendee will also receive a gift bag.  Come out and help the Hogs get closer to a new lockerroom!

Although the Razorbacks did their part to advance by defeating the University of Central Florida by a 6-2 score on Thursday, the team did not have luck on its side.  Both Adrian and Arkansas finished pool play with identical 2-1 records, but the Hogs did not advance because—per the ACHA tie-breaker rules—Adrian allowed fewer goals during pool play than did Arkansas (a two goal differential).  Arkansas therefore ends its season with an overall 31-8-0 record.  Looking back, the season was a memorable one loaded with highlights including a sixteen game win streak, a victory over a nationally ranked Division I opponent, a fifth regular season SEC conference title, a fourth SEC playoff championship, and two victories at Nationals.  Of particular note within that impressive list are (1) the victory over the University of Central Oklahoma, and (2) the National Tournament wins — both are program firsts.

As the season winds down, Arkansas says goodbye to graduating seniors Johnny Stromp (#91), Martin Sundstedt (#24), Justin McDowell (#19), and Tyler Bynum (#10).  For their parts, McDowell and Stromp played for the Razorbacks for five seasons and participated in nearly all of the program’s 132 wins over that span.  Both durable and talented forwards were staples in the Arkansas lineup for years.  Stromp will graduate this spring with a business degree.  McDowell is the only graduate student on the Hogs’ roster and will continue pursuing his degree in counseling.

Sundstedt transferred to Arkansas as a sophomore after a season at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  In his three years since then, Sundstedt served as both an assistant captain and, this season, co-captain of the Razorbacks.  He is the only player in the SEC who has been twice recognized as conference MVP and, during that same span, has also earned first team all-conference honors.  Sundstedt will graduate with a degree in management.  Bynum finishes his time with the program after three productive seasons.  He joined the Hogs out of the Tulsa Rampage junior program and will graduate this spring with a business degree.

As we say goodbye to four seniors, we are excited to introduce our new recruiting class.   Stay tuned during the off-season for stories about the newest incoming Hogs who will compete for a roster spot in August.  Thank you again to all of our fantastic fans for a memorable season.

Arkansas is still in the hunt for a National Championship.  With UCF’s thrilling overtime win last night, Adrian now has one loss in pool play.  In order to advance,the Hogs must defeat UCF and get a little help from Neumann.  With a UCF loss, the ACHA would go to tournament tie-breakers, which are the following:
1. Head to head
2. Number of wins
3. Fewest goals against
4. Goal differential in all tournament games
5. Fewest penalty minutes
6. Most periods won in pool play
7. Quickest goal recorded on score sheet
8. Coin toss

In tournament play, the Hogs have given up 10 goals.  UCF has given up 7 and Adrian has given up 8.  Roughly translated, the Razorbacks would be best served by beating UCF by 3.  Then, in Neumann’s evening game against Adrian, Neumann must score two though every goal that UCF scores on Arkansas equals a goal that Neumann must score against Adrian.

It’s a big day for the Hogs!  Tune into FastHockey.com to watch the game live at 3:30 pm EST!

From March 11 through March 15, the Razorback Hockey team will compete in the ACHA Division III National Tournament.  Hosted in Coral Springs, Florida, the Hogs will first take on two-time defending National Champion Adrian College.  Adrian enters the tournament having just finished fourth in their conference tournament last weekend.  For its part, Arkansas has not played since February 15 when it dropped a close 3-2 contest to the University of Oklahoma.  The puck drops on March 11 at 6 pm CST.

Then, on March 12, Arkansas will square off against Neumann University at 12:00 pm CST.  Neumann just last weekend earned its second consecutive DVCHC conference title by defeating rival Bryn Athyn in two straight games in their best of three championship series.  The Hogs and Knights have never met.

Finally, on March 13, the Razorbacks will take on the University of Central Florida.  The two teams have met just once—back in the 2011-12 season—when the Hogs earned a 5-2 victory in neutral ice game held in Pelham, AL.  The puck drops in that contest at 2:30 pm CST.

Fans can find more information out about the tournament here and can watch all three contests live on FastHockey.com!

On Saturday, March 1, Arkansas played its final home game as an intra-squad Red-White game.  White defeated Red in front of another great crowd by an 8-5 score.  In other news, the Razorbacks learned the order of their National Tournament pool play.  Placed in Pool D as the number one seed from the Pacific, the Razorbacks will first take on the number four seed from the North—two-time defending National Champion Adrian College—on March 11 at 7:00 pm EST.  The two programs have met just once before; on October 15, 2012, the Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks by a lopsided 7-1 final score.

The next day, on March 12, the Hogs will square off with the number three seed from the Atlantic Region—Neumann—at 1:00 pm EST.  The two programs have never played one another.  To close pool play, Arkansas will take on the University of Central Florida, the number two seed from the South.  In the two teams’ lone meeting, the Razorbacks defeated the Knights by a 5-2 score on January 29, 2012.

The complete Division III National Tournament schedule is available here.  All of the tournament games will be professionally broadcast on fasthockey.com.