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.