This past weekend your Division II Arkansas Razorbacks won the MACHA Gold Tournament solidifying a bid into the ACHA postseason. This season marked the programs first year of competition in ACHA Division II and first year participating in the Gold Division of the MACHA Conference. “Huge accomplishment for our program. To come in and win our conference in year one is incredible. On top of that, to jump into the postseason tournament in year one, it’s hard to explain how proud I am of this team”, Head Coach Keller Sims had to say when asked about the championship and what it means for Arkansas Hockey.
The team had an up and down first semester, mixed with several winning and losing streaks. The spring semester however had been nothing but success. The team entered the tournament on a 8 game winning streak. Friday saw Arkansas dominate an Illinois squad they had swept earlier in the semester. In a game that could be called sloppy at times, Arkansas did enough to secure a 5-2 victory over Illinois.
Saturday saw a much anticipated matchup with MACHA powerhouse Iowa. The two teams split their early season series in Iowa. Arkansas jumped out to a fast start securing an early three goal lead. Penalty trouble saw the Hawkeyes pull the game back to within one late in the second period, before Freshman Alex Fendler scored off a face off with 3 seconds remaining in the period. Arkansas kept the game our of reach scoring two more in the third to win the game 6-3.
Sunday saw the Hogs take on the #1 seed and host team, Maryville University. Maryville had secured victories in all three games played against the Razorbacks during the regular season. Arkansas scored on their first shift and never looked back. The game was physical and fast with both teams trading penalties and chances. Arkansas kept their foot on the gas and kept putting pucks in the net. Senior Goaltender Grady Reis backstopped the Hogs making huge saves to keep the Maryville Saints frustrated. At the end of 60 minutes, the Hogs would lead 8-3, and secure their first tournament title in their first appearance at MACHA Gold.
Senior goaltender Grady Reis was named MVP of the tournament after securing the win in all 3 games on the weekend. Arkansas is now 2-0 in their first appearance at MACHA Tournaments, as the Division III squad won the tournament in their first year of competition at MACHA Silver in 2022. With the victory, Arkansas moves up to #12 in the Regional Rankings and will take on #9 Michigan State at the Central Regional Tournament in LaCrosse Wisconsin on Friday February 21st at 1:30 PM. All games will be broadcast on Flow Hockey TV. #6 Maryville and #13 Iowa will join Arkansas as participants in the Regional Tournament from the MACHA.
