Two weekends ago, the Hogs were back in action following a brief two week break, as they hosted MACHA rival University of Nebraska at the Jones Center.
Friday night, the Hogs were off to a slow start in the first period, recording no goals and falling behind 1-0 to Nebraska. Jason Gifford was the first Razorback to find the back of the net midway through the second period. The Hogs entered the third period trailing the Cornhuskers 2-1. Despite this, the boys came crawling back with another goal from Jason Gifford, and two more from JD Duenwald and Brian Romero, finishing the game with a 5-3 victory over Nebraska.
Saturday’s game saw the return of junior Grady Reis in net, and sophomores Brenden Coon and Thomas Verble, two crucial pieces to the Razorbacks’ offensive game. It was a big day for the rookies as Brenden Coon recorded the first two goals of the game, followed by Darrell Smith and Sam Karraker recording their first career ACHA goals, and Mikey Gakhutishvili recording another to shut down the Cornhuskers 5-2.
The Razorbacks outscored Nebraksa 10-5 this weekend, extended their record to 7-3.
This past weekend, the Razorbacks traveled to Jefferson City, MO for a two game series against MACHA rival, Missouri Tigers. The Hogs entered this game on top of the MACHA South division, with the Tigers right on their tail. Entering this weekend, the Hogs opened up at #17 in the nation for the ACHA DIII Rankings, while Mizzou was ranked at #25.
Friday night, the Hogs felt the absence of much of their core group. With six players out of commission, it was a “next man up” mentality. Mizzou opened up scoring about midway through the first period, before Trevor Borlace made an amazing play, batting the puck of mid air and setting up Cade Venuk for the Hogs first of the game. Trevor Borlace would follow up in the second period with a goal of his own to help the Hogs remain tied against Mizzou. Brian Romero would capitalize on his opportunity playing forward as he would battle hard in front of the net to maintain a tie game against Mizzou’s high level offense. Unfortunately, the Razorbacks ran out of gas in the third period, giving up two more unanswered goals, ultimately falling to Mizzou, 6-3 in game one.
Saturday night the Razorbacks saw the return of captain Kyle Crews and sophomore Tyler Book. The Hogs gave up the first two goals of the game before Sam Karraker was able to find a way to hit the back of the net early in the second period. Less than two minutes later, Ethan Rogers followed up with a second goal to cut the deficit to one for the Razorbacks. After yet another Mizzou goal, JD Duenwald was able to get on the board once again, and the game was tied heading into the final period. Despite Ethan Moder finding the back of the net once more, the Razorbacks would lose the final period again. Ultimately, the Hogs drop game two, 5-4 and are swept for the second time this season.
The Razorbacks come out of this weekend with a 7-5-0 record overall and fall to third place in MACHA Silver South Rankings.
The Hogs are on the road for the final time this semester this weekend when the team travels to Springfield, MO for the annual Route 66 Showcase. The team will take the ice against #9 Purdue Friday at 2 PM, Michigan-Flint Saturday at 4 PM, and Ferris State Sunday at 11 AM, all at Jordan Valley Ice Park.
