After dropping two games to DI foe Central Oklahoma last week, the Razorbacks bounced back by sweeping two games over the Marquette Golden Eagles this weekend. The Ice Hogs never trailed, dominated time of possession, and hurled over 100 shots at Marquette Goaltender Thomas Place.
The Hogs were led by Plano, Texas product Matt Robinson who scored 5 goals, including a Hat Trick in the Saturday night contest. Ryan Machos chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists. Spencer Mulgrew threw a shutout in the first game and the Hogs outscored Marquette 14-3 in the two game series.
Taylor Jones got the Hogs started in the first game by scoring on a breakaway at 11:37. Ryan Machos followed up with a goal on a nice assist from Matt Robinson with less than two minutes left in the first period.
The Razorbacks took charge in the second period when newcomer Landyn Howze finished on a nice feed from captain Forest Mudgett, and Jacob Brown followed up 27 seconds later with assists from Machos and James Haddock. Matt Robinson connected on the first of his five goals with assists from Jacob Brown and Michael Tallo and the Hogs closed out the period up 5-0.
The Ice Hogs carried the play in the third period and they struck twice within four minutes on goals by Colin South and Matt Robinson with assists going to Forest Mudgett, Jesse Foskey and Erik Robinson. The Hogs closed down defensively and Spencer Mulgrew and the Hogs had the shutout victory 7-0.
Game two started quickly for the Hogs as Matt Robinson scored the first of his three goals on a shorthanded giveaway in the offensive zone by Marquette at 16:45. As in the first game, Ryan Machos followed 5 minutes later with assists going to Jesse Foskey and Kyle Summerford and the Hogs led 2-0. Marquette broke through on a wild scramble in front of the net to close within 2-1. But, the Razorbacks asserted control and closed out the first period on goals by Marcel Toure, Jacob Brown and once again, Matt Robinson who netted two goals. The last coming with 5 seconds left in the period and the Hogs led comfortably 6-2.
James Haddock scored a power play goal midway through the second period for a 7-2 lead. But, the Golden Eagles showed some life and scored a power play goal of their own with 1:30 left in the second period to close the gap to 7-3. The third period started with referee Tanner Rogers calling several penalties that spilled over into some chippy play at the end of the game and several players were escorted off the ice. The final 7-3 held up and the Ice Hogs recorded their seventh home win.
The Ice Hogs dominated play throughout both games by converting chances generated by their transition game. They displayed good speed and tight checking against a quality opponent.
The Razorbacks resume conference play as they travel to Olive Branch, Mississippi to take on Ole Miss on Monday and Tuesday. The Hogs will be back in Springdale October 24th and 25th for a weekend series with Division I opponent Midland University. Both games have a 7:30pm start time. Come on out and support your Ice Hogs!
