DALLAS, Tx- The Arkansas Razorbacks came in to Dallas, Texas this weekend to face the University of North Texas (D2) and to kick off the second semester of the season.
Both games were held at the Dr. Pepper Stars Center in Farmers Branch, January 13th at 8:45 and January 14th at 9:30.
The Mean Green Eagles of North Texas came in to the game with a 22-1-0 record and the #13 ranking in the D2 west, while the Razorbacks of Arkansas held a 13-6-0 and a #4 ranking in the DIII south.
Game one consisted of solid goaltending by Brendan Desjardins and high scoring from the Razorback offense.
The first period saw no goals, but in the second , the Ice Hogs scored three goals from three different players, Easton Oliver, Johnny Stromp, and Marcel Toure, giving Arkansas a solid 3-0 lead heading in to the third.
Billy Dolan extended the lead to 4 goals in the third period, but the Eagles answered with a goal of their own, preventing the Razorback shutout. Martin Sundstedt scored the final goal of the game, leaving the final score at 5-1 in favor of Arkansas.
Game two of the weekend series saw a much tougher game for the Razorbacks as the Eagles were determined to not be swept.
30 seconds in to the game UNT got on the board but Connor Crumblish quickly answered with an Arkansas goal. Martin Sundstedt would give the Ice Hogs the lead later in the period, but a minute after he scored, UNT tied it back up, and 12 seconds later took the lead, giving the Eagles a 3-2 lead heading into the second.
7:13 in to the 2nd period Billy Dolan tied it back up for the Razorbacks and it would be the only goal the period would see.
It only took 1:52 in to the third period for UNT to regain their lead, but with 9:14 left, Johnny Stromp tied it right back up at 4 apiece. Connor Crumblish grabbed his 2nd goal of the night with 5:08 left in the game to give Arkansas a 5-4 lead. With a minute left UNT pulled their goalie to try and tie the game back up, but Brendan Desjardins and the Ice Hogs kept the puck out of their net to win the game 5-4 and sweep the weekend series.
Be sure to join the Ice Hogs as they return home to face Tulane University at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas. Tickets are $6 for adults, $2 for students, and free for children under 10.