Dalton Baker and Matt Hehr reunite in Fayetteville

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The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce G-Dalton Baker and F-Matt Hehr as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commits.  Both come to Fayetteville after a season with the College Station Spirit in the NA3HL.

Baker squares up to face a shot

Dalton Baker, of Flower Mound, TX, played 18 games for the Spirit during the 2016-17 season.  The 5’10” 185 lb. goalie earned a 5.77 GAA and a .876 save percentage.  Baker split his 2015-16 campaign between the Chicago Jr. Bulldogs (NA3HL) and the Charlotte Rush (USPHL).

Baker’s hockey career began with roller hockey nine years ago.  Regarding his decision to continue his career at the University of Arkansas, Baker said,  “After visiting the campus and talking to the coaching staff about the hockey program, I was blown away with the excitement and energy I felt from them.  At that point, I felt that the University of Arkansas would be the best choice for me and my career.”

Hehr taking on the Jr. Brahamas

His former Spirit teammate, Matt Hehr, is also looking forward to the move to Fayetteville.  Said Hehr, “Coming off a year in College Station, my visit to Arkansas had a different feel.  Instead of a new startup organization, Arkansas is already established and they are really pushing to get to the next level. I could tell the team is ready to make that next step in becoming a widely respected team, and in order to do that they have to get some players who want to work hard and that is what I’m coming here to do.  I’m ready to get to Fayetteville and team up with our group after a summer of hard work and preparation. Meeting new people, taking classes, and playing hockey–can’t ask for more.”

Hehr, a Lake St. Louis, MO, native spent his first season in juniors (2016-17) with the College Station Spirit in the NA3HL.  There, Hehr played 47 games and contributed 10 total points (4 goals and 6 assists).  The 6’0” 170 lb. forward started playing hockey at just seven years old, and continued to play through high school (Timberland High School) and into junior league hockey.

“On their visit, both Matt and Dalton conveyed just how excited they are for the opportunity to compete at the next level,” said Collin Hesse, Head Coach of the Division III team. “After watching them play, there is no doubt that both of them will come in here and make an impact for this program.  We feel lucky to have both Matt and Dalton join the Razorback Hockey family and we couldn’t be more excited to get them here in August.”

Baker and Hehr bring 2017-18 recruiting class to eighteen players from eight different states and three countries.  They join the following players:

F-Jiri Trubacik (Cheyenne Stampede, WSHL)
F-Konnor Madsen (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Andrew Pellegrino (Fresno Monsters, WSHL)
F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Cal Owens (Long Beach Bombers, 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.