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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.

Division I set for home opener; Undefeated Division III team idle

The Division I Razorbacks (0-3-0) began their season on the road in Oklahoma last weekend, facing WCHL conference opponents Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma. They first faced the Bronchos from UCO Thursday evening. The Ice Hogs struck first as rookie Dakota Gottlieb scored his first collegiate goal, assisted by Matt Lasky, which put the Hogs up 1-0 in the first. The Bronchos would strike back twice in the first to make the score 2-1 entering the second period. The Bronchos scored the lone goal in the second frame and led 3-1 going into the third period. With less than 15 seconds left in the game, Tyler Valentin scored to push the final score to 3-2. .

Against OU on Friday night, rookie Cam McAtee scored his first collegiate goal four minutes into the contest to give the Hogs a 1-0 lead. After a scoreless second period, the Sooners tied things up 1-1 early in the third. Then, with under three minutes to play in regulation, the Sooners scored the game winning goal en route to a 2-1 victory.

The weekend closed on Saturday with a rematch against the Sooners. The first period was all Oklahoma as they took a 2-0 lead entering the second. The teams traded goals in the second frame and, in the third period, Shaun Foster assisted veteran Collin Young to cut the deficit to one goal. The Ice Hogs ultimately fell 3-2.

Tonight, the Division Ice Hogs begin play at home as #16 Arizona (3-0-0) and #24 Arizona State (1-5-0) visit the Jones Center in Springdale. Arkansas opens against Arizona State this evening at  7:15 PM. The Hogs will be looking for the program’s first win all-time against Arizona State. Then, on Friday at 7:30 PM and Saturday at 5:00 PM, the Razorbacks tangle with the Wildcats from the University of Arizona. The Wildcats enter the weekend undefeated after sweeping Arizona State last weekend in their two game series. Arizona leads the series over the Hogs 1-4-1, as the Hogs will be looking for their first win over the Wildcats since 2016. On Friday night, the Hogs will be raffling off a game worn jersey signed by the team. The first fifty adult guests at the Friday night game will also receive a free Razorback Hockey koozie.

Meanwhile, the Division III team last weekend continued their winning ways by sweeping rival Missouri State. In the first game against the Bears, the Ice Hogs got on the board halfway through the first period thanks to a goal from Zach Palmer. Then Grant Deacon pushed the lead to 2-0 by scoring nine minutes into the second period. Missouri State cut the lead in half just minutes later, making the score 2-1 going into the third period. The Ice Bears struck first in the third–tying the game up 2-2. With under 10 minutes left to go in the game rookie, Trevor McLain scored to put the Hogs up 3-2. Then, with about three minutes to go in the third, Aidan Everett sealed the victory by putting the Hogs on the board again en route to a 4-2 victory.

The Ice Hogs and Bears met again on Saturday the 29th at the Jones Center. Arkansas jumped out to a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game thanks to a goal from Alex Parisi. Trevor McLain scored halfway through the first frame to put the Hogs up 2-0. About two minutes later, rookie James Wheeler scored his first goal of the season to extend the lead to 3-0. After the Ice Hogs took a five-minute major penalty late in the first period, the Ice Bears scored three unanswered goals to tie the game. The Bears struck again to take the lead 4-3 at the outset of the second period. Grant Deacon struck back for the Hogs tying the game up 4-4 later in the period. Alex Parisi scored his second goal of the game with just five minutes remaining in regulation to put the Hogs up 5-4. The Hogs went on to win 5-4 and improve their record to 6-0. The Division III Hogs have a bye this weekend and return to action next weekend on the road against SMU.

The University of Arkansas fields two hockey teams.  The Division I team 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.

 

 

 

Power forward Triston Wilson commits to Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce F-Triston Wilson, of Midlothian, TX, as the next 2017-2018 Arkansas commit.

Wilson joins the Razorbacks after completing his junior hockey career with the Euless Jr. Stars in the NA3HL.  For the Jr. Stars, the 6’0” 180 lbs. right-shooting forward contributed 56 total points (24 goals & 32 assists) in 46 games.  Wilson began his 2015-16 campaign with the Texas Jr. Brahmas.  He joined the Euless Jr. Stars where he recorded 35 total points in 36 games.

During his career with the Stars, Wilson contributed to a tremendous turnaround for the Stars program.  During 15-16, the team won just 9 games (9-36-2 overall) but, in 16-17, the team won 23 games (23-19-4 overall) and qualified for the playoffs.  Stars Head Coach Don Babineau said, “Triston will be a great asset to the Razorback Hockey program.  His on-ice work ethic is second to none.  He plays the power forward role, puts up big numbers, and his feet never stop moving.  Coaching Triston the past two seasons has been a joy.  I know college hockey has been his goal and I am excited to watch his success at the next level.”

Prior to his time with the Stars, Wilson played for the Tier I EHL Dallas Stars U18 team where he chipped in 8 points across 24 games.  Stars Head Coach Adam Robbins commented, “Triston is a good person and from a good family.  He came to work every day and got along well with his teammates.  It was a pleasure having him on the Dallas Stars Elite U18.”

Wilson became interested in hockey at an early age and frequently attended Fort Worth Brahmas games.  Wilson started playing hockey when he was about eight or nine.  Regarding his decision to come to Arkansas, Wilson said, “I was interested in Arkansas because I have a lot of friends there. When I came to visit, I had a great time skating with the team and meeting with all the players and coaches. I really liked the skill level of the current players.  The environment and experience ultimately sold me to commit.”

“Triston is a true power forward who will bring a physical element to our lineup,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “As his balanced numbers reflect, Triston is capable of serving both as both a playmaker and finisher.  We’re excited to have him join our exceptional class.”

Wilson becomes the tenth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from six different states and two countries.  Wilson joins the following players:

F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

 

Kenatae Medure on his way to Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce D-Kenatae Medure as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.   The 6’3” 220 lbs. left-shooting defenseman comes to Arkansas after a successful 2016-17 campaign with the Atlanta Capitals in the NA3HL.

During his time with the Capitals, Medure played in 45 games and assisted on 8 goals.  Capitals Head Coach Jason Smith said, “After the first of the year Kenatae turned into my best defenseman and one of the best in the NA3HL. He played in almost every situation possible.  Kenatae was one of the best PK players in the league.  He was a leader on and off the ice and a huge reason why we went to the Silver Cup.”

Before playing for Coach Smith, Medure played 10 games in the USPHL with the Forest Lake Lakers, where he contributed 3 goals and logged 4 penalty minutes.  Prior to joining the Lakers, Medure played closer to home with the Minnesota Flying Aces in the NA3HL.  Born in Bloomington, Minnesota, Medure grew up with hockey.  He started playing at four years old and continued the family tradition.

Said Medure, “I selected the University of Arkansas because it has a wide selection of degrees to choose from.  It has a winning hockey team and I hope to help continue that tradition. I have lived in the South for the last year and enjoyed the Southern hospitality.  I am looking forward to this new adventure in my life.”

“Kenatae brings a physical presence to our blueline,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team.  “We expect the versatility of Kenatae’s game to complement our academic up-tempo style.”

Medure becomes the fifth in a growing recruiting class that already features players from four different states.  Medure joins D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL); G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL); F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL), and D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA).

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field 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 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

 

DI heads into lone bye weekend; DIII welcomes Vanderbilt to the Jones Center

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Photo credit: Edward Matthews

On Friday and Saturday, November 4-5, the Division III Razorback Hockey team (6-10-0) welcomes the Vanderbilt Commodores (4-1-1) to the Jones Center for a pair of crucial conference tilts.  Coming off of a challenging trip to Nebraska, the Razorbacks look to get back to their winning ways against a talented Commodore hockey team.  While in Lincoln last weekend, the Hogs dropped pair of games to the Huskers by 9-3 and 7-1 margins.

As the Razorbacks challenged the Huskers, the Commodores were tangling with the Division I Frozen Tide.  In its biggest win to date, Vanderbilt defeated the Tide by a 3-1 (ENG) margin.  Among other victories, Vanderbilt has defeated Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina.  Vanderbilt will make just its second trip to the Jones Center.  The Commodores last made the drive to Springdale on December 10, 2011, when the Hogs notched a 13-0 win.

More recently, the Hogs and Commodores split their regular season series last season.  On October 10, 2015, the Razorbacks defeated the Commodores by a narrow 2-1 margin before succumbing to Vanderbilt in game two the next day by a 5-0 margin.  The teams met again in the post-season last year when, in the third place game at the SECHC tournament, the Arkansas escaped with a 3-2 win.

The puck drops at 8:00 pm on Friday and 4:00 pm on Saturday.  Friday night is “Pink the Rink” where students with their ID get in free.

Broadcast info:
Listen to a live play by play for both games-
http://mixlr.com/hoghockey/

*Live stream for Friday 11/4-
http://uatvonline.net/watchlive-22/

*Live stream for Saturday 11/5-
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hoghockey

*Subject to change

Two more commit to Arkansas

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Anthony Cebell and Parker Tillson have formally committed to play at Arkansas.

cebellAnthony Cebell, a 5’9, 195lb., forward from Garland, Texas, played his high school hockey for Plano East & Love Joy Varsity.  In his senior season, Cebell notched two goals and added an assist in 20 games played.  Said Cebell, “I chose Arkansas because I’ve heard only great things about the program and I want to contribute to the team’s success.”  He added, “I’m very excited to be able to play a high level of hockey while I study for my future in mechanics.”

 

For his part, forward Parker Tillson (5’11″, 165 lb.) joins the Razorback Hockey program tillsonfrom The Woodlands High School.  Tillson compiled 3 goals and 5 assists in 25 games during his senior season with the Highlanders. Said Tillson, “I chose Arkansas because the campus and University really suit me and I know the hockey program is going to test me and push me to maximize my abilities.”  TIllson added, “I’m looking forward to playing in a high quality, high intensity program with other players who love the game as much as I do.”

Cebell and Tillson become the twenty-first and twenty-second players 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 nine different junior leagues (NA3HL, EHL, 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)
F-Alexx Vil (Texas Jr. Brahmas, DSTHL)
F-Jack Moore (East Coast Wizards, EHL)
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 15-16 season was the first for the Arkansas hockey program 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 were recently released.  You can view the Division I schedule here and the Division III schedule is available here.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.

Michael Moore on his way to Arkansas

IMG_0112The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Michael Moore has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 5’8″ 160 lb. goaltender from Charlotte, North Carolina, Moore has compiled junior experience the past two seasons in the USPHL.  A 1998 birth year, Moore has suited up for the Richmond Generals and most recently logged time with the Chicago Cougars of the USPHL (pictured).  Prior to his junior career, Moore posted a 9-0-4 record in the 2013-14 season for Union County East High School, where his team won a league championship that season and he was selected to the All-Star game.

Said Moore, “I’m impressed with the goals the coaching staff has set for this team, and excited to be a part of reaching those goals.”  Moore also commented, “[n]ot only does the University of Arkansas offer a great hockey program, it also offers a great engineering program with state of the art labs.”

Moore becomes the eleventh player in a 16-17 recruiting class that now has eight different states represented (Texas, 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)

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.