After a successful first semester, Arkansas started the second semester of play this past weekend with two wins over the Dallas Junior Stars (NA3HL) and a win against Dallas Baptist University (DII).  In those three games, the Razorbacks outscored their opponents by a cumulative score of 21-3.

Looking back on the first semester, the Hogs got off to a somewhat rocky start this season, dropping a pair of games to fifth ranked Division I Oklahoma.  But the team quickly turned things around, winning sixteen straight games including sweeps of North Texas (DII), and three 2013 national qualifiers—Marquette, Alabama & Ole Miss.  The Hogs’ signature win came against 11th ranked Division I Central Oklahoma, marking the first time in program history that the Razorbacks defeated a DI opponent.  Among other first semester highlights, Arkansas was ranked number one in the Pacific Region after the first ranking period and was the unanimous choice for that same honor after the second ranking period (for more on how the rankings work, see here).

Now, looking ahead, the Hogs wrap up the regular season with three consecutive home weekends against Dordt, Eastern Illinois  (DII), and conference rival Auburn.  Following the Auburn series, the Razorbacks will travel to Pelham, Alabama, to defend their SECHC conference title.  Importantly, the conference playoffs will for the first time be held prior to publication of the final rankings.  The team’s play during that tournament will therefore be an important factor in the voting committee’s determination of whether Arkansas receives an automatic bid to the National Tournament (held this year in Florida).

This weekend, the Dordt Defenders come calling in the two programs first-ever meetings.  Game time on Friday night is 8:30 pm and the rematch takes place at 4:00 pm Saturday.  Join us as we hope to pack the Jones Center!