This past weekend the Arkansas Razorbacks started the spring semester on the road in Oxford, OH to participate in the Miami(OH) Showcase. The 3-game weekend saw the Razorbacks face off against Indiana University of Pennsylvania, #15 Miami University, and #9 Grand Valley State University.
Friday saw the Hogs battle the IUP Crimson Hawks. Arkansas controlled much of the 1st period, but came away with nothing in a 0-0 period. Junior Trevor Borlace would crack through with a goal 5:14 into the 2nd period, but IUP responded just 24 seconds later. IUP punched another home 9 minutes later to take a 2-1 lead, but freshman Ethan Rogers would even the game with 53 seconds remaining in the period. IUP regained a one-goal lead soon after to take a 3-2 lead into the 3 rd period. But the Hogs would dominate the final frame with a goal from junior Kyle Crews and 2 goals from graduate student Cameron McAtee to give Arkansas the 5-3 win. Grady Reis notched his 4th win of the season, stopping 25 of 28 shots.
Saturday brought on a battle against the host Miami(OH). With the last two matchups between the two teams being decided in overtime, this game shaped up to be another thriller. Miami would open the scoring midway through the 1st period. But senior Dylan Odelein beat the buzzer by finishing off a backdoor pass with just 1 second remaining to tie the game. Arkansas played a strong 2nd period with goals from senior Kyle Patterson and assistant captain Cameron McAtee to jump out to a 3-1 lead. McAtee would score just 1:45 into the 3 rd period to extend the lead to 4-1. But penalty trouble would put the Hogs on their heals and Miami responded with 2 goals of their own to draw the score closer at 4-3. After killing off more penalties and some unbelievable saves from goaltender Sam Haynes down the stretch, the Razorbacks sealed the deal on a 4-3 win. Haynes turned away 20 of 23 shots for his 13th win of the season.
The Sunday slate featured a top-10 matchup between two teams that reached last year’s frozen four. Grand Valley State University and Arkansas faced off in an early morning bout, with GVSU opening the scoring with 2 goals in the 1st period. The Hogs would not go away, tying the score with a goal each from senior Trevor McLain and junior Kyle Crews. GVSU broke the tie early in the 3rd period, taking a 3-2 lead. After a valiant effort to tie the game, the Hogs surrendered a goal with just 1:29 remaining and an empty-net goal as time expired, giving GVSU the 5-2 win. Sam Haynes stopped 26 of 30 shots, recording just his 1st loss of the season.
Arkansas looks to bounce back against rival Missouri State Ice Bears with a two-game home set at The Jones Center on January 27th and 28th. Friday will be Military Appreciation Night as the Hogs will sport American flag-inspired sweaters. Saturday will be a day to honor the seniors as we celebrate Senior Night.
