The DIII Ice Hogs had themselves a weekend at the Jones Center. The North Texas Mean Green only showed up with just eight players on their roster, so the Hogs were expected to win big, and they did just that. On Friday, the Razorbacks went out and took a 3-0 lead after the first period, with goals from Brooks Moore, Garret Jackson, and Griffin Sugasawara. And they didn’t slow down after that; the Hogs scored four goals in the second period, and three in the third. Dylan Odelein put the cherry on top–finishing off his hat trick to put the Hogs up 10-0 with 5:10 remaining in the game, and that would be the final.

Arkansas and North Texas squared off again on Saturday morning. The Hogs picked up on the scoring right away. Just 41 seconds into the game, Trevor McLain put Arkansas up 1-0, and he would eventually put up a hat trick in the first period alone. The Hogs went to the locker room up 10-0 at the end of the first period. In the second, Dylan Odelein put up his second hat trick in as many days to put the Hogs up 17-1 going into the final frame. The third period was a little quieter, and the final score ended 18-2 Razorbacks.

This weekend on Friday and Saturday at the Jones Center, The DIII Ice Hogs will face Missouri State University who will be opening their season. Friday’s game will be at 7:30 pm, and the rematch on Saturday will begin at 11:30 am. The Hogs will look to improve on their 4-0 record for the season. The DIII Hogs faced Missouri State three times last season. After losing the first time 3-1, Arkansas went on to beat Missouri State twice in a row at their place 7-3 and 5-1. All time the Ice Hogs are 19-8 against the DIII Ice Bears.

Meanwhile, the Division I Ice Hogs will open their season with a trip to Oklahoma this weekend. First stop will be at the University of Central Oklahoma on Thursday at 8:00 pm. The Bronchos are coming into the weekend after being swept by Lindenwood last weekend. The DI Hogs faced UCO three times last year. Then the defending National Champions, UCO beat the Hogs in all three meetings. On Friday, Arkansas heads to Oklahoma City to face off against Oklahoma University at 7:00 pm, and then play them again on Sunday at 4:00 pm. The Hogs faced Oklahoma twice last year at the Jones Center. Coming away 1-1 with a 3-2 loss and a 5-4 win. The Sooners are coming into the weekend after splitting their series with Alabama last weekend.

The Division I Ice Hogs return sixteen players, including last year’s team points leader and leading scorer, Luc Gradisar. The The team also returns leading point-getters Chris Stovall and Cory Delisle. Arkansas welcomes ten new faces to the team this season. Several of the new faces are coming in from last year’s Division III ranks, including standouts Alex Kueser and Jozef Dusenka.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team recently released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

On Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15, the Division III Ice Hogs opened up their twelfth season against SECHC rival Vanderbilt.

On Friday, the Hogs got off to a hot start in the first period by jumping out to a 2-0 lead over the Commodores. Both goals were scored by rookie Griffin Sugasawara. Veterans Aiden Everett and Zach Palmer got the assists on the goals. Seventeen seconds into the second period Zach Palmer rung up another one for the Hogs, with the assist from Aiden Everett to go up 3-0. With 7:21 remaining in the game, sophomore Alex Parisi gave the Hogs a 4-0 lead and rookie Trevor McClain received credit for the assist. The Hogs would end up getting the victory, beating the Commodores 4-1.

Saturday’s rematch started a bit slower.  Following a scoreless first period, senior Aiden Everett put one on the board for the Hogs 1:50 into the second period, assisted by rookie Dylan Odelein. With six minutes left in the second period, veteran Alex Kueser gave the Hogs a 2-0, as Dylan Odelein picked up his second assist. Twelve seconds after the Commodores cut the lead in half, Alex Kueser rung up another goal for the Hogs to go up 3-1. Alex Kueser scored his third goal of the game in thee final frame to push the Razorback lead to 4-2. Later in the third, Griffin Sugasawara scored and then, with seven minutes remaining in the game, Kueser scored his fourth goal of the game to give the Hogs a 6-2 win.

Following the Vanderbilt sweep, Arkansas faces the University of North Texas (1-3-0) on September 21 & 22. The two teams have met five times previously with the Ice Hogs owning a lifetime series lead of 4-1. The teams last met during the 2010-2011 season, when they faced one another three times. The Ice Hogs would sweep the Mean Green that season, beating them 7-5, 1-0 and 1-0. Puck drop on Friday will be at 7:30 PM on then 11:00 AM on Saturday.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team recently released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

 

 

On Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15, the Division III Ice Hogs (0-0-0) will open up their twelfth season against SECHC opponent the Vanderbilt Commodores (0-0-0). The 2018-19 Division III Razorbacks have big shoes to fill. After all, the 2017-18 campaign saw the team earn a 25-6-2 overall record, a sixth conference SECHC Championship, and make the program’s first appearance at the National Tournament since 2015. The defending SECHC Champion Ice Hogs enter the series sporting an overall 11-2 all-time record against the Commodores. Two of those eleven wins came last season with one coming in the opening game of the SECHC tournament. The Commodores last defeated the Ice Hogs on November 4, 2016 at the Jones Center in a spirited 5-4 affair.

The 18-19 Division III Ice Hog roster includes nine new faces. Notable among them are Trevor McLain who recently completed a season of junior hockey in the SIJHL with Thief River Falls. The Dallas, Texas, native logged two junior seasons overall, including stints in 2016-17 with the Wichita Jr. Thunder and Dallas Snipers–both of the WSHL. Joining McLain will be Corey Rees, a returner who spent his first season with the Division I Razorbacks where he logged eighteen games patrolling the blueline. Arkansas will lean on returners F-Grant Deacon, F-Jacob Yaseen, and D-Zach Palmer to provide stability as the team settles into the season. Meanwhile, goaltenders Dalton Baker and Alex Kalmes return to shore up netminding responsibilities.

Like Arkansas, Vanderbilt has not yet played a game. After a successful 2016-17 campaign that saw the Commodores earn a 13-5-1 overall record, the program logged a 4-11-1 overall record last season. The puck drops at 7:30 PM on the 14^th and 11:00 AM on the 15^th at the Jones Center in Springdale. Ticket information and lodging options for out of town guests is available here.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams. The Division I team recently released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). The Division I Razorbacks will open the 2018-19 campaign at home on October 4 against league-rival Arizona State.

 

 

The University of Arkansas Razorback Men’s Ice Hockey Program is pleased to announce Andrew Falls as its next ACHA Division I Head Coach. Coach Falls comes to Arkansas after serving as a Graduate Assistant for Wagner College’s Men’s Hockey program.

Born in Jackson, Tennessee, and raised in Nashville, Coach Falls played for four years in the ACHA for McKendree University where, in 2016, he helped the Bearcats qualify for the National Championship. After college he worked in the front office of the St. Louis Blues and SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears. During his time with Wagner College, he help transform a one-win team in 2016-2017 into a team that qualified for a conference tournament appearance in 2017-18. That campaign also saw Seahawks earn a win over a Division I opponent.

When discussing what drives him to coach hockey, Coach Falls said, “I coach hockey because of how rewarding it is to be a mentor and to build lifelong friendships with the players. Hockey is in my blood and without it, I’m simply not the same person.”

Coach Falls is no stranger to the Razorback Hockey program, “Razorback Hockey has one of the strongest foundations of any team at this level. As an opponent who has had to play at the Jones Center, I was blown away by the fan-base and the deafening support that the team received. It truly is not a fun place to be the visitor.”

In looking to the future and where Coach Falls would like to see the program go, he stated “My goal for the program is to capitalize on the incredible progress that’s been made, and elevate this program to the next level. If the next five years are as good as the last five years, we’ll be competing for national championships.”

“Kevin Cole chose to withdraw from the position for personal reasons and we wish him all the best,” said Coach Gallini, the Program’s Director. He added, “We were elated that Coach Falls was still on the market and elected to come to Arkansas.”

Coach Falls and the Division I Razorbacks play their first game of the 2018-19 season on September 27th in Edmond, OK, where they will faceoff against WCHL rival University of Central Oklahoma. The team opens its home season October 4 against another conference rival–Arizona State.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team recently released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Cam McAtee has committed to Arkansas. The 5’11” 205 lbs. right-shooting Defenseman recently completed his junior hockey career with the St. Louis Jr. Blues (NA3HL).

McAtee, a native of Wentzville, MO joins the Razorbacks after spending seven years with the St. Louis Jr. Blues organization. During the 2017-18 campaign, McAtee served as the team’s Assistant Captain and averaged more than a point per game, scoring 15 goals in 46 games while adding 33 assists. In 2016-17, posted 27 points in 31 games (3 goals, 24 assists). In 166 total games with the Jr. Blues, McAtee amassed an impressive 28 goals and 87 assists.

McAtee also took part in the 2016 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament, scoring a goal in the event. He also spent a portion of the 2014-15 season playing in the NAPHL for the St. Louis Selects 18U team.

McAtee, who plans to study Criminal Justice, commented, “I love being on the ice and I can’t wait to win my first college championship.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, McAtee said, “I chose the University of Arkansas because of the academics and what they had to offer for my degree.” He added, “I chose to play hockey here because I feel like I can develop my game more while also getting a good degree.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team just released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

 

Tryouts are just days away.  Below is the upcoming tryout schedule.  If you’d like to tryout, but have not yet expressed interest, fill out a prospective player form here.  Players must attend all sessions.

August 23, 8:15-11:00 pm
August 24, 5:00 pm (off-ice testing)
August 25, 3:45-6:30 pm
August 26, 9:00-11:45 am

All sessions are open to the public at no admission cost.  Even if you are not interested in trying out, the Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey team has a few remaining board positions for students during the 2018-19 season.  Academic credit is available for RESM students.  Please email Division I Graduate Assistant Chris Hussein (chussein@email.uark.edu) for more more information.

Our Division III team has won the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference post-season playoff tournament six times (09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 17-18) and and the regular season SEC-West conference championship five times (09-10, 10-11, 11-12, 12-13, 13-14).  In its short history, the Division III team has appeared at Nationals four times (09-10, 13-14, 14-15, 17-18), made numerous appearances at the regional tournament, and is consistently ranked in the top ten in our region during the regular season.

The 15-16 season was the first for the Arkansas hockey program fielding two teams.  That season, 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 during the 15-16 season season.

During the 18-19 season, the University of Arkansas will again field both a Division I and Division III team.  Both teams recently released their 18-19 season schedules.  You can see the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule here.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that F-Andy Williams has committed to Arkansas. The 6’0” 185 lbs. left-shooting forward recently completed two collegiate seasons playing for Williston State College.

Williams, a native of Ft. Worth, Texas, joins the Razorbacks after a junior college career that spanned two years. During his most recent 2017-18 campaign with the Tetons, Williams served as Assistant Captain and scored 27 goals in 32 games while notching 16 assists. For his efforts, Williams was named team MVP. In 21 games during the 2016-17 season, Williams accrued 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists).

Prior to his arrival at Williston State, Williams played three seasons of junior hockey. In 46 games for the Dells Ducks of the USPHL in 2015-16, Williams had a stellar 51-point season (25 goals, 26 assists). The year before, he scored 18 goals in the NOJHL playing for the Mattawa Blackhawks in 2014-15. In his first year of junior hockey, Williams averaged nearly two points per game playing in the NPHL for the West Sound Warriors. That year, in 2013-14, Williams had 79 total points and scored 40 goals.

Williams, who plans to study mechanical engineering, commented, “I love the speed, the power and the finesse of hockey but also I love the physical and mental toughness of the game.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, Williams said, “I believe that the Department of Mechanical Engineering under the guidance and expertise of the University of Arkansas professors and curriculum will allow me to become a well-rounded and knowledgeable engineer capable to meet the demands of my profession.” He added, “I am also very excited about the structural changes for the hockey program this upcoming season. It will be an honor to be a trailblazer in our move to be the first member of ‘Club Sports Advance’ and to become an advocate of our hockey program.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team just released its 2018-19 schedule (view here). It has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR — The University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey Club today announced its 2018-19 schedule for the team’s 12th season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association and third at Division I. The schedule features a fan-friendly home slate of 17 weekend games at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The Razorbacks are looking forward to this year’s campaign and look to improve on last seasons’ third Western Collegiate Hockey League campaign.  This year, the schedule features a 36 game regular season starting in late September.

SEPTEMBER – OPENING ON THE ROAD

The season begins much later this year.  Whereas last year game play began early in September — on the road on September 8 — the team will have comparatively more time to prepare than any other prior season.

But like last season, the Razorbacks will open up on the road.   The first puck drop of the season will be in Edmond, OK, as the Hogs face off against Central Oklahoma on September 27. Then, the Hogs will make the short drive to take on Oklahoma on September 28 & 29.  Last season, the team dropped all three games to league-rival UCO and lost the series to Oklahoma by a two games to one margin.

OCTOBER – A BRIEF STOP AT HOME

After opening on the road, the Razorbacks will return home to the Jones Center on Thursday, October 4, to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils.  Their traveling partner, Arizona, will take the ice at the Jones Center on October 5 & 6.

After their meetings with the Sun Devils and the Wildcats, the Razorbacks will make a historic first by traveling to Philadelphia for a four-game swing. The trip east will feature games against all first-time opponents:  Temple, Villanova, Drexel, and West Chester.

To wrap up the month of October, the Hogs will stop in Pelham, AL, to renew acquaintances with rival Alabama. That series will mark the continuation of a rivalry that began back in 2007 when Arkansas first fielded a team.  The Arkansas-Alabama rivalry is the program’s oldest and the Hogs currently lead the Division I phase of the rivalry with a 5-1-1 overall record.

NOVEMBER – A RETURN HOME

In November, the Razorbacks have a mix of travel and home contests.  First up are a trio of WCHL rivalry games against Colorado State and Colorado on November 1-3.  Although Arkansas swept CSU on home ice last season, it is still hunting for its first win against the Buffalo on home ice.

Arkansas then heads west to Arizona to face league opponents Arizona and Arizona State.  The three game swing will mark the third time Arkansas has ventured into Arizona.

The highlight of November will likely be the two-game series against on Missouri State beginning on November 30. The Razorbacks notched an overtime win over the Ice Bears in game one of last year’s end of semester series.  The Ice Bears notched game two of that series in a shootout affair that saw multiple lead changes. Historically, the Missouri State series are hard-fought games energized by a large (and passionate) home crowd.  Missouri State earned a trip to Nationals last season — a program-best — so the Hogs expect another exhilarating match-up in November.

JANUARY – BACK TO WORK

After a brief holiday break, the Razorbacks will get back on the road to face Colorado State and University of Colorado–this time in their territory.  Then, January 25 & 26 will feature home games against arch-rival Alabama.  Two years ago, Arkansas defeated Alabama on home ice in an overtime shootout and then, last season, the Razorbacks swept the Frozen Tide in a pair of close contests.

FEBRUARY – THE FINAL PUSH FOR NATIONALS

February will be an exciting month for the Hogs, as they fight to qualify for the National Tournament for the first time.  First, they play host to league-rivals UCO and Oklahoma.  Next up will be a return visit from McKendree University’s Division II squad.  To close the month, Arkansas then travels the short ride to Springfield, MO, to take on Missouri State in a pair of games that no doubt will have considerable rankings implications.

MARCH – NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

The season closes on March 1 & 2 against Lindenwood before the ranking period ends.  Should the Razorbacks qualify for the National Tournament, hosted by the NHL’s Dallas Stars, they will make the short trip to Dallas, TX, from March 21-25.  The Hogs look to make their first ever tournament appearance this year.

Single game tickets for the 2018-19 regular season can be purchased on game day at the Jones Center.  Season passes will also be available.  Information about season passes will be released in August.  Please visit arhockey.westernchl.com for further information about the team.

VIEW THE 2018-19 SCHEDULE HERE

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Dakota Gottlieb has committed to Arkansas. The 6’2” 190 lbs. left-shooting defenseman recently completed his junior league career playing for the Hampton Roads Whalers in the USPHL-Premier.

Gottlieb, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, joins the Razorbacks after a successful junior career that spanned two teams across two years.  In an injury-shortened season with Hampton Roads last year, Gottlieb appeared in 25 games and contributed 8 total points (1 goal and 7 assists). Gottlieb also played his 2016-17 season with the New Jersey Hitmen of the USPHL-Elite where he dressed in 33 games, contributing 12 points (2 goals and 10 assists).

Gottlieb, who plans to study accounting, commented, “hockey is one of the most important things to me, I love playing, and I love winning. I want to win here with the great group of guys that are in the locker room.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, Gottlieb said, “I came to the University of Arkansas for the education, and wanted to be a part of the program as it progresses forward. The Walton School of Business is outstanding and Fayetteville is a great town full of a mix of all types of people from all over the country.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that D-Kevin LaPlante has committed to Arkansas. The 5’9” 180 lbs. left-shooting defenseman recently completed his junior league career playing for the Point Mallard Ducks in the NA3HL.

LaPlante, a St. Louis, MO native, joins the Razorbacks after a successful season and playoff run with the Ducks.  In his second season in Point Mallard, 2017-18, LaPlante contributed 36 total points (14 goals and 22 assists) in 45 games. LaPlante also logged the 16-17 season with the Ducks where he appeared in 46 games.

LaPlante, who plans to study sports management, commented, “I love hockey and it means everything to me. When I’m on the ice nothing else matters. The adrenaline you get is incredible–you feel invincible.” Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas more specifically, LaPlante said, “I feel the University of Arkansas’ hockey program is very promising and I will get the best experience out of playing with this program.  I was also drawn to the academic program the University of Arkansas offers and believe it will give me a great opportunity.”

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2018-19 begin its twelfth season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.